April Preyar

The killing of George Floyd on camera put the U.S. on the world stage once again for police brutality. The protests globally brought forth a new racial reckoning and an ushering in of proposed police reform in communities across the country. However, while activists and politicians debate whether to defund the police entirely or overhaul police training, unarmed civilians, still 49% of Black males will be arrested by their 23rd birthdays, Black Americans are 2.5 times more likely to be arrested and are also 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police. Despite these bleak statistics, few are discussing one of the simplest and most comprehensive solutions -- preventative education. Few students are ever taught how to interact with police, what their Constitutional rights are while doing so, yet all residents and citizens are expected to know how to conduct themselves when stopped by police. This simple disconnect leads to unnecessary arrest, injury, and yes death, until now.