Each week, the Lasso Editorial Board will comment on an issue that is relevant to the students at George Mason High School. We strive to present a student-oriented opinion about topics big and small that matter to all of Mustang Nation.
On Tuesday, October 27, in a South Carolina high school, a female student denying to leave her class was forcibly removed from her seat by a student resource officer and subsequently arrested.
On Friday, October 30, in an Oklahoma high school, a male student in the halls without a pass was punched in the face twice by a student resource officer after a verbal altercation between the two.
On Tuesday, November 3, in a Virginia high school, a female student was greeted in a school hallway by her resource officer, Officer Clark Gagnon.
Social media last week was littered with low-quality iPhone videos of painful scenes of physical altercations between police and teens.
But where were the videos and stories showing the positive interactions between cops and students?
For Mason students, the school resource officer (SRO) is a constant presence in the halls. This is the person who helps a classmate find a lost iPhone, educates students on the real risks of driving under the influence in Driver’s Education class, or simply provides a happy greeting while entering school.
Our SROs at Mason are a positive protective presence for all students, teachers, and parents.
Even now, when we see Sargent Rau, GMHS’ longtime former SRO, on duty, his ability to relate to students on a personal level further shows his constant effect on the George Mason community. In fact, Rau’s influence – and those of his successors at Mason – clearly embodies the goals of the National Association of Student Resource Officers (NASRO).
“The goal of NASRO and SRO programs is to provide safe learning environments in our nation’s schools, provide valuable resources to school staff, foster a positive relationship with our nation’s youth, and develop strategies to resolve problems affecting our youth with the goal of protecting every child so they can reach their fullest potential,” according to the NASRO website.
Although he has been at Mason for only two months, Officer Clark Gagnon has been a member of the Falls Church City Police Department since October 2011.
His presence in the halls provides a sense of security for all students, as well as a welcome example of an officer who is friendly with America’s youth, however small a portion.
In light of the recent cop-hate, specifically in schools, it’s very difficult to be the only one in the room supporting the actions of the good cops out there. And yes, there are good cops. A lot more, in fact, than the ones who make mistakes that eventually give all their coworkers a bad name.
Even past high school, remember the officers who went out of their way to ask how your day was or who provided assistance on the seemingly insignificant lost coat or phone when you see the singular instance of wrongdoing in law enforcement.
