Concerns Rise Over Armed Security for School CEO but Not Students

Baltimore City is facing scrutiny regarding the disparity in police protection for students versus the CEO of the school system. The issue came to light following a report by Fox45 News that highlighted the presence of armed City Schools Police officers accompanying CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises during a school visit, while students in the same schools remain without armed protection.

Yolanda Pulley, a Baltimore City Public Schools alumna and a current grandparent of students in the system, expressed her frustration over this apparent double standard. "I was livid," she stated, questioning how the CEO could have armed security while students do not. Pulley recalled a troubling incident when her son attended Forest Park High School, where a student brought a loaded gun to school, leaving her feeling that there was a lack of immediate protection.

Under Maryland law, Baltimore City Schools Police officers assigned to schools are prohibited from carrying firearms during school hours, requiring them to store their weapons in lockers. In contrast, the officers accompanying Dr. Santelises were not assigned to the schools during her visit, allowing them to be armed.

For eight consecutive years, legislation has been proposed in Annapolis to permit City Schools Police to carry firearms within schools, but these bills have consistently failed. Critics argue that arming police officers sends a negative message to students.

Following the report, Project Baltimore reached out to the Baltimore City delegation in both the State Senate and House of Delegates, seeking clarification on the intent behind the current law and whether it is acceptable for the CEO to have armed security while students do not. Unfortunately, no responses were received from any legislators.

Pulley concluded by emphasizing her belief that this situation reflects a loophole in the system, allowing the CEO to have armed protection funded by taxpayers while students are left vulnerable. "Our children are not safe in school," she asserted.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).