By Zaria Nabinett
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
BOWIE, Md. – State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy got an earful Friday from Prince George’s County students who called for more school counselors, community center services and programs to keep youth out of trouble and away from the prison pipeline.
The students from high schools throughout the state’s second most populous county that borders the Eastern portion of Washington, D.C. crowded an auditorium at Bowie State University for a Youth Justice Reform Symposium. They discussed ways to “end the school to prison pipeline.”
“I am delivering on my promise to reform the system, but I know I can’t do it alone,” said Braveboy, who was elected Prince George’s County’s prosecutor last year. “It’s great to have partnerships with HBCU’s like Bowie State University and Howard University and local partners like the Department of Juvenile Services.”
Braveboy headlined the symposium that included a panel discussion featuring newly elected Bowie Mayor Tim Adams; high-schooler, Emmanuel Harris and his mother, Claudette; Council member Calvin Hawkins; Delmonica Hawkins, regional director Juvenile Services; and, Hyattsville Police Chief Amal Awad. NBC 4 news reporter Derrick Ward moderated the group.
“When we as policymakers, and as elected officials, don’t change the laws that have been systematically placed since the 1990s, we are not doing justice to ourselves,” Joshua Omolola told the crowd. “Many elected officials I hear say is ‘come back to PG county, invest in the community that made you.’ How can we invest when we’ve been thrown out?”
Omolola, a BSU student, is this year’s student representative on the School Board of Education.
Braveboy and other county officials acknowledged that youth justice reform has been an ongoing issue since the 1990s when residents, parents and other concerned citizens became alarmed by the number of black students who were being funneled into the criminal justice system.
Officials explained that minor violations such as attitudes towards teachers and uniform violations became a zero-tolerance policy that allowed expulsions and suspensions. In addition, the number of police officers stationed at schools increased as their duties moved from preventing school shootings to disciplinarians. One study showed that black students are three times more likely to be expelled for subjective offenses, than white students who are expelled for offenses such as smoking or vandalism.
The results, officials said, have been that many black students either do not finish school, drop out of school or are sent into the juvenile system. But, a public school in Oakland, California reportedly has successfully attempted efforts to make law enforcement consequences as a last resort for students.
Braveboy announced a similar initiative for Prince George’s County Public Schools.
“When education is the great equalizer, no matter what skin color you have, no matter how much your parents make, you should be able to receive a quality education that will prepare for adulthood,” Omolola said. “But unfortunately, many factors have come into play that have separated black and brown students from receiving that education, and predominantly black boys.”
“When you walk down the street, because you have your hoodie on, the police officer is going to look at you more. Because you have the skittles and the Arizona, you are more to be looked at than any other race. And it begins at school with minor infractions,” he said.
Braveboy said that the suicide rate has increased to its highest level among black boys, which prompted a lively discussion among the panelists. She said that behaviors exhibited in school are typically a result of issues at home.
The State’s Attorney introduced what she called a “diversion program” on July 31 with the goal of giving youth who have received criminal charges the chance to avoid being prosecuted and obtain criminal records. By giving boys and girls the chance to make mistakes without being criticized and severely punished for their actions, she said they have an opportunity to become good citizens.
Panelist Emmanuel Harris said he benefited from the program.
“I was disrespectful, got into fights, and had an ‘I don’t care’ attitude,’” Emmanuel said. “I learned a lot; how to deal with my anger and communicating, and advocate for myself. I learned things not taught in school like the 13th Amendment, the stock market, and credit.”
Noting he is now on track to graduate high school on time, Emmanuel said, “My grades have improved and my whole outlook on life has changed and I’m glad I was able to get a second chance.”
After graduation Emmanuel said he would love to be a Navy Special Operator.
“Had the diversion program not been in place, he probably would not have been able to be in high school,” Emmanuel’s mother, Claudette Harris, said.
“He’s learned how to communicate to me better. We both learned how to communicate,” she added. “The diversion program, C-PAC, that he was in, not only helped him, but it helped me as well. I am so grateful and thankful for the diversion program.”
Police Chief Awad said some students may need an alternative to the diversion program, emphasizing that “not every youth is going to work with one specific program. It’s extremely important that our youth are assessed; that they are connected to the program that is going to meet their needs.”
“For the city of Hyattsville, initially, we revitalized a teen club that was a community program many years ago,” said Delmonica Hawkins. “… the first day, we had 80 signed up and the intention was to keep kids occupied during the summer months. We wanted to provide an opportunity for kids to hang out with one another and have some structured formatting where they’re having conversations about life skills and experiences.”
Braveboy offered one clarification. She said that although she is passionate about juvenile justice reform, some students do require harsher consequences. No offender will go unpunished does remain true; however, for students like Emmanuel, jail-time should not be the first and only solution, she said. Providing support services and training will better suit students’ emotional needs, she added.
Several students offered opinions and recommendations on justice reform:
- Stephen of Oxon Hill High School suggested that teachers and law enforcement officers tap into childhood traumas of students and recruit more counselors.
- Patterson of Friendly High School shared that many students struggle with bullying at school and recommended that teachers and faculty do more to value the well-being and mental health of students instead of doling out suspensions or “unfair treatment.”
- Morgan of Parkdale High School said that student records should not be used in a criminal manner, and asked that more community centers be provided to meet the needs of students’ interests, whether it be a sports or art.