International Union of Operating Engineers L-302 (18701 120th Ave NE, Bothell, Washington 98011)
https://www.facebook.com/events/361264654292829/
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3072991
“Positive Approaches to the School-to-Prison Pipeline”
Join the First District Democrats at our 2017 Issues Forum as we consider these critical issues and develop solutions to them:
The school-to-prison pipeline – Students in our schools are facing an increasing pattern of contact with the juvenile and adult criminal systems because of recent practices implemented by our educational systems – zero-tolerance policies and the use of police in our schools. Too many children end up being suspended, expelled or arrested for minor offenses and behaviors. Many of these are status offenses – which are actions that are prohibited behaviors by minors,
Use of force – Washington is the only state with a “without malice and with good faith” defense for law enforcement officers. Many experts contend that the language provides de facto immunity to law enforcement officers in even egregious circumstances, while others believe the standard provides proper protection to law enforcement considering the difficult and dangerous nature of the job.
Poverty and homelessness – Frequently our youth are dealing with problems that are unsolvable for them – like being homeless, poverty, or a history of abuse and neglect – which cause them to act out. Many are afraid to ask for assistance or do not know how to do so, thus becoming more vulnerable and isolated, skipping school, running away and acting out.
Gender and racial bias – Children of color and LGBTQ youth have a higher documented frequency of behavioral problems and are more severely disciplined for their actions than their peers. Girls are more frequently targeted by school dress codes and disciplined for non-compliance despite often facing poverty, homelessness, sexual abuse or harassment that results in their acting-out behaviors. Girls who are homeless, dealing with poverty, and other trauma are then vulnerable to sex trafficking.
See schedule on event page.