During Zuleima Baquedano's first year as a teacher, she faced an important choice. After a student had a meltdown and kicked her, the principal suggested calling the police, but Baquedano thought about the student's background, recently moving in with their family after foster care, and the progress they had made together in coping strategies. She ultimately decided against it, believing that involving law enforcement would undo her student's hard-earned progress.
Baquedano voiced her conviction in advocating for her student, regardless of pressure from other teachers to follow strict policies. 'I'm never going to regret advocating for her, despite the fact that several teachers told me I couldn't let her get away with it,' she said, emphasizing her commitment to understanding the student's situation beyond a singular incident. This case underscores broader systemic issues faced by educators under current California laws.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra highlighted ongoing issues with school law enforcement in California, stating, 'The data very clearly shows that when law enforcement is required to come onto campus, those that they choose to arrest are disproportionately people with disabilities and students of color.' Kalra's efforts to reform the current laws reflect the urgent need for change regarding how schools handle incidents involving diverse student backgrounds.
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