Updated Jun 2, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Minneapolis Public Schools votes to terminate contract with police

Rebecca Falconer

Police officers block a road on the fourth day of protests on May 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. — Police officers during a demonstration in Minneapolis on Friday. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Minneapolis Public Schools announced Tuesday its board voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to end its contract with the city's police department following the death of George Floyd.

Details: The school board decided to terminate the $1.1 million contract because the actions of law enforcement after Floyd's death had "run directly counter to the values" of the district, BuzzFeed notes. Minneapolis Public Schools will not negotiate further with the police department.

Why it matters: It's a small win for protesters and civil rights groups that have long campaigned against having police in schools.

A 2018 Government Accountability Office report found black students in K-12 schools are disproportionately disciplined compared to other students of races.
A study from the Advancement Project, a nonprofit that focuses on racial justice issues, states: "Police in schools is an issue of American racial disparity that requires deep structural change."

What they're saying: School board chair Kim Ellison told the Star Tribune she values people, education and life. "Now I’m convinced, based on the actions of the Minneapolis Police Department, that we don’t have the same values.”

What's next: The school’s superintendent is preparing a safety plan for the board's meeting in August, per the Star Tribune.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

Add Axios on Google

Minneapolis Public Schools votes to terminate contract with police

What to read next