Protesters Demand Columbus Schools Stop Using Columbus Police Resource Officers

Demonstrators against police abuse gathered in front of the home of Columbus school board president Jennifer Adair on Monday night.

The protesters want Columbus City Schools to stop using Columbus Police school resource officers in the district's buildings. They say the officers create fear and the money could be used more effectively on social workers and counselors.

Kanyinsola Oye is one of the protesters who stood in front of the Adair's home, demanding the district get rid of the city’s police officers in schools.

“CPD does not increase the amount of safety but instead it causes an increased amount of fear in the lives of students, especially black and brown students," Oye says.

Adair and Columbus City Schools superintendent Talisa Dixon issued a joint statement on Monday saying they will “have an open and honest dialogue with the Columbus Police leadership regarding officers.”

In a written statement, the Columbus Police Department says, "We do not want to impose on the school system if we are not welcome. The priority for Columbus Police is always safety first. That includes the safety of students and staff."