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Here is a copy of the agreement not to prosecute students that the Dimwit Sheriff signed.

http://nwigazette.com/2018/02/26/full-text-broward-county-agreement-on-school-discipline/

Full Text-Broward County Agreement on School Discipline

COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENT ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

JUVENILE JUSTICE ADVISORY BOARD

and in collaboration and consultation with a committee of stakeholders that include representation from the Broward Teacher’s Union, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association, District Advisory Council, Diversity Committee, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, State Representative Perry Thurston, State Senator Christopher Smith, and State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed for the purpose of establishing a cooperative relationship between agencies involved in the handling of student misbehavior.

WHEREAS, the parties acknowledge that law enforcement plays an essential role in maintaining safety in the community. However, the use of arrests and referrals to the criminal justice system may decrease a student’s chance of graduation, entering higher education, joining the military, and getting a job.1

WHEREAS, in the 2011-2012 school year, the Department of Juvenile Justice reported 1,062 school-related arrests in Broward County, the highest number in the state.2 71% of these arrests were for misdemeanor offenses. Over half of those students had never been referred to the Juvenile Justice System before.

WHEREAS, across the country, students of color, students with disabilities and LGBTQ students are disproportionately impacted by school-based arrests for the same behavior as their peers.3

WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature “encourage[s] schools to use alternatives to expulsion or referral to law enforcement agencies by addressing disruptive behavior through restitution, civil citation, teen court, neighborhood restorative justice, or similar programs” and has instructed school districts “that zero-tolerance policies are not intended to be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors, including, but not limited to, minor fights or disturbances.”4

WHEREAS, with a joint commitment to ending school-based arrests for minor misbehavior, school districts and law enforcement agencies across the country have improved school safety, school engagement and academic achievement. The parties to this agreement are confident that by working together, they can return Broward County Public Schools to a culture of common sense discipline that allows all students to enjoy a safe and effective education.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

In order to follow the guidelines set forth by the Legislature,5 the parties are entering into this cooperative effort among the public agencies named herein to establish guidelines for the handling of school-based student misbehavior. The guidelines are intended to establish uniformity in the handling of incidents while ensuring that each case is addressed on a case-by-case basis. The manner in which each incident is handled by the Police, School System, and/or Court is dependent upon the many factors unique to each child that includes, but is not limited to, behavioral history, present circumstances, disciplinary record, academic record, general demeanor and disposition toward others, disability or special education status, and other factors. Therefore, the parties acknowledge that students involved in the same incident or similar incidents may receive different and varying responses depending on the factors and needs of each student.

To address these issues and ensure that all students have access to a safe and effective learning environment, the parties agree to enter into a cooperative agreement governing appropriate responses and use of resources when responding to school-based misbehavior.

Sheriff of Broward County, Florida:
Sheriff Scott Israel
Broward Sheriff’s Office
2601 West Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311