California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond holds hearing on school police reforms, implicit bias training

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on Tuesday hosted a virtual hearing regarding school police reforms.

"Task Force on Safe Schools Hearing" included researchers, police organizations, and legislators discussing the impacts of school police programs on school campuses and strategies for school safety.

Thurmond discussed a framework for restorative justice and de-escalation tactics. The state superintendent also called for better training on implicit bias and improved data collection on expulsions and disciplinarian actions.

Last week, the California Department of Education announced it will "accelerate research" into the potential harms caused by police intervention in schools

Earlier this month, the Oakland Unified School District Board approved a measure to eliminate the district's police department at the end of the year.

Thurmond said the Department of Education is working to re-imagine student support and discipline. Some options include reducing or eliminating police presence on campus and adding more mental health counseling services.