Statement on Incident at Hinkley High School
May 22, 2019
DASHR JOINS TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY IN DEMANDING ACTION FROM
AURORA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
On Tuesday May 14, Denver Alliance for Street Health Response (DASHR) joined students, teachers, and community members in demanding accountability from Aurora Public Schools for an incident that happened at Hinkley High School on April 24. The incident entailed Aurora Police entering the school with drug dogs and violently arresting a Black student with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) after the student was initially tackled by the campus monitor. Apprehension and assault of the student
happened without their case manager present, which is a violation of the IEP. Since the incident, the school has attempted to hide the issue and has characterized the student as a “criminal” and a problem to the school community – characterizations that the student’s teachers and fellow classmates vehemently reject.
While DASHR knew of the basic circumstances before the school board meeting, we were devastated by statements from the students who feared for their classmate and friend and were additionally experiencing a broken sense of safety within the school because of the way law enforcement engaged the situation. DASHR emphasizes that this type of practice is not in any way conducive to student safety and well-being. There is a growing body of data that proves that the presence and activities of law enforcement in schools has only increased the criminalization, ostracization, and pushout of mostly Black and Brown students. We also know that incidents like the one at Hinkley continue to traumatize students long after they occur.
There are many ways the school could have addressed the situation that wouldn’t have involved violence against the student. For example, increased funding and support for restorative practices, increased funding and support for mental health services, and other non-violent ways to address alleged harm committed by a student. We join the community in demanding an investigation into all parties involved at Hinkley High School and accountability from the district through action taken against those who were responsible and a plan to prevent future incidents across the district. Additionally, we call on
a re-evaluation of the role of campus monitors and school resource officers as well as an end to policing in schools.
About DASHR
Denver Alliance for Street Health Response (DASHR) is a coalition of groups and individuals who create and support community- based responses to crisis and conflict, as well as forge new narratives of public health and safety.
