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Safer LBUSD

On September 27, 2021, Manuela “Mona” Rodriquez, an unarmed 18 year old teen, was shot by a Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) School Security Officer (SSO). She has since succumbed to her injuries. It took weeks of community protest until SSO Eddie F. Gonzalez was investigated for the murder, and also took days of community pressure for the school district to fire him from his position.

Demand Justice for Mona

In support of Mona Rodriguez’s family and all families impacted by quasi-law enforcement policies, Long Beach students, parents, guardians, educators, allies, and community based organizations have come together for the Safer LBUSD campaign. The campaign’s mission is to rebuild safety with and for all students, parents, and staff, including bringing justice to the Rodriguez family.

#SaferLBUSD demands “Justice for Mona” and real change in LBUSD schools–change that delivers restorative care for youth and the community.

Join Long Beach community in demanding #JusticeForMona and a #SaferLBUSD.

Please Contact Us

To learn more about how to contact the groups working on the #SaferLBUSD campaign, give us a call or send us an email.

#SaferLBUSD Demands

1) Fire SSO Eddie F. Gonzalez. (demand met)

2) Defund and dismantle the School Safety Department and build a new system of safety that is community-led.

  • Remove all SSOs from school zones.
  • Disarm all LBUSD employees, including firearms, batons, clubs, pepper spray, and other weapons.
  • Do not replace SSOs with LBPD.
  • Trained mental health staff to deescalate difficult situations and additional deescalation training for all staff.
  • Review and remove all punitive punishment and replace it with restorative practices, such as more counselors, social workers, nurses, and opportunities for arts and cultural activities.

3) Hear from community and care for community.

  • Immediately offer space for students and the community to process and heal.
  • LBUSD participation and partnership at community-led Town Hall meetings at each school site to hear from students/families and follow through on action steps.
  • Create a list of mental health resources on every school website for all students, teachers, staff, and parents/guardians.

Call to Action!

Attend a LBUSD Board meeting and speak up.

The Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education meets at 5pm in person at 1515 Hughes Way, Long Beach, CA 90810.

Learn about attending a school board meeting at www.instagram.com/parentpowerLB

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