Police Reform

Across the country communities of color are calling for policy reform. Why, because people of color make up about 37.4 percent of the general population, but they make up 62.7 percent of unarmed people killed by police. In this course you will learn about the issues around why civil right activists are calling for police reform, including defunding the police. You will research data and statistics concerning police misconduct. You will use this information to propose a piece of legislation that addresses the areas of reform which will be subject to teacher, peer and expert review before submission to government officials.

What you’ll learn

  • The disparities in policing based on race
  • This history of policing in communities of color in America
  • Current proposals for police reform
  • How to promote change in policing and the activism needed to effect change
  • How to protect yourself from unjust policing

Course Description

Students will learn about racial disparities in the criminal justice system and reflect upon how whites and people of color have different experiences with law enforcement. Students will give their own perspective of law enforcement by presenting a skit. Students will research data, statistics, and historical issues concerning police misconduct and relationship to communities of color and use this information to propose a piece of legislation that addresses the areas of reform.

Students who take/complete this course

  • Will receive a semester social studies credit
  • Receive a YCCS Certificate of Completion
Course Information
  • Credit:.50
  • Days:Mondays and Wednesdays (Office Hours: Thursdays)
  • Timings:3-430pm
Instructors
Michael Seiber
Department
McKinley-Lakeside Leadership Academy

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