Voices for Children, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska issue joint statement on use of electrified gloves in schools.

Voices for Children in Nebraska, Education Rights Counsel, and ACLU of Nebraska stand together in strong opposition to the use of electrified gloves on children in schools and to School Resource Officers carrying these devices in school buildings. There will be an opportunity to share thoughts during time for public comment at the Omaha Public Schools board meeting on Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Families in other Omaha-area school districts should also reach out to their school boards to ask about their districts’ policies on use of force and memoranda of understanding with the Omaha Police Department.

We also encourage community members to reach out to their Omaha City Council member before their next meeting on Tuesday, August 18, at 2 p.m. The Omaha City Council is responsible for appropriating funds for and oversight of the Omaha police department.

What’s happening:

The city of Omaha purchased 40 pairs of a device called Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, also known as GLOVE, that is worn like a glove.

Police officers wear the gloves and can use them to deliver a shock to a student. The shock becomes stronger based on the grip of the officer.

School Resource Officers in Omaha have been carrying these in schools for more than a year, and 29 of the 34 SROs have been trained.

The Omaha Police Department said they have already used the gloves on two Omaha students.

What we know:

Children should not be subjected to electric shock as a tool for school discipline, as a penalty for disapproved behavior, or behavior management. Schools should be places where young people can learn, grow, and feel safe, not places where they are exposed to devices designed to inflict pain.

The presence or use of electrified gloves in schools raises serious concerns about the safety, dignity, and well-being of students. Young people, particularly students with disabilities, students experiencing trauma, and students who may struggle to regulate their emotions or behavior, need support from trained adults and do not benefit from being shocked.

This is not what keeps school safe.

Research and best practices in school climate and youth development emphasize prevention, de-escalation, relationship-building, and individualized support. When students are struggling or a situation becomes difficult, schools should rely on trained educators and behavioral health professionals who can recognize what is driving a student’s behavior and respond appropriately.

School resource officers’ presence in our schools should not turn schools into an extension of the criminal or juvenile justice system. If SROs are going to be in schools, they should be trained in youth development, adolescent brain development, de-escalation, disability awareness, and trauma-informed approaches. School districts should have clear policies defining when law enforcement intervention is appropriate, and when a situation should instead be handled by school staff or behavioral health professionals.

Adding an electrified device to that environment moves us in the wrong direction.

We know that young people are still developing their ability to regulate emotions, assess risk, and make decisions. Our response to challenging behavior should reflect that reality. The goal should be to help young people return to learning and remain connected to their school. Pain and fear that these gloves can cause are moving us in the wrong direction.

We are asking the community to speak up. Electrified gloves do not belong in our schools. Children deserve better.

Omaha Public Schools board meeting:
Monday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m.
In person: Teaching and Learning Center, TAC Building, 3215 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131
Live stream: https://www.ops.org/board/upcoming-meetings-and-livestream

Omaha City Council meeting:
Tuesday, August 18, at 2:00 p.m.
In person: 1819 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68138
Live stream: https://citycouncil.cityofomaha.org/view-council-meetings