The 21st Show

Rockford lawsuit reignites debate over student resource officers

Produced by Jose Zepeda
 
Paris Moore, the 14-year-old freshman who was body-slammed to the ground, attends Auburn High School, which is run by Rockford Public Schools.

Paris Moore, the 14-year-old freshman who was body-slammed to the ground, attends Auburn High School, which is run by Rockford Public Schools. Via RPS 205 Facebook

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There's an ongoing conversation about the role that police officers or student resources officers should play in school settings. A Rockford 14-year-old and his family are suing the Rockford Public Schools, claiming that one such officer at the school used unreasonable and lethal force against the teen and that the school attempted to cover the incident up. Security camera footage shows the officer bodyslamming the student, slamming his head into the ground, which knocked the boy unconscious and fractured his skull. Why? The 14-year-old had skipped part of one class and was walking down the hall.

To discuss the incident, the community's reactions, and what's happened since, we were joined by a reporter that's been following the story.

GUEST: 

Peter Medlin 

Education Reporter, Northern Public Radio (WNIJ, WNIU, NIRIS)

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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