The discussion over school resource officers (SROs) in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) remains contentious, fueled by Wisconsin’s Act 12, which mandates the placement of at least 25 SROs in MPS by January 1, 2024. As of late 2024, MPS has yet to comply, drawing legal challenges from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) and raising concerns among both supporters and critics of SROs in schools.

Data obtained by WILL from the Milwaukee Police Department shows that Milwaukee public schools made more than 3,000 calls to police last school year. 

Opponents of SROs in Schools

During a recent board meeting, MPS students voiced strong opposition to the state mandate, citing potential negative impacts of SROs. They argued that having police officers in schools creates an environment of fear, particularly among Black and brown students. One student noted, “SROs instill fear rather than the freedom of learning,” while another warned that SROs could lead students to “internalize the idea that they are criminals.” Students and advocates believe that the estimated $2 million needed to fund the program should instead be allocated to educational resources, like textbooks, computers, and extracurricular activities.

Critics of Act 12 also point to its lack of funding provisions as a key concern. MPS Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan described the mandate as an “unfunded mandate” that burdens an already underfunded district. While MPS has expressed its willingness to comply, the lack of funding has complicated implementation. In the past, MPS and the Milwaukee Police Department shared the cost of SROs, but the new law does not provide additional resources, forcing the district to divert funds from other critical areas.

Advocates for SROs in Schools

However, not everyone opposes the presence of SROs in schools. Many parents, educators, and community members have expressed strong support, emphasizing the need for increased security. One MPS parent, Charlene Abughrin, who also represents several other parents in the lawsuit filed by WILL, has been vocal about the safety issues her child faces at school. “There are zero SROs in MPS, despite a clear legal requirement,” Abughrin said in a recent video, adding, “It’s very concerning as a parent that they do not have any safety resource officers at a school.”

Supporters argue that the absence of SROs has led to increased violence in MPS schools, with incidents ranging from physical fights to more severe altercations. Abughrin shared personal experiences, recounting instances of “fight clubs” and other dangers in school hallways. She and other parents claim that without SROs, discipline is lacking, leaving students and staff vulnerable. “There is no discipline,” Abughrin explained. “Even if security is called, students return the next day with no repercussions.”

WILL’s lawsuit seeks to enforce compliance with Act 12, arguing that MPS’s failure to meet the mandate endangers students and violates the law. WILL attorney Lucas Vebber stated that the lawsuit aims to hold MPS accountable and ensure that the required number of officers is present to protect students. “Student safety is non-negotiable,” Vebber emphasized.