1967

Baltimore City asks for 25 police officers to patrol its schools, creating its own security division. Shortly after the school security force was established, the Maryland state legislature passed a law making it illegal to disturb school activities.

Long Hot Summer

Over 150 uprisings and rebellions fueled by racial tensions, police violence, massive unemployment, dilapidated housing conditions, and racism erupt in American cities. The National Guard is called to disrupt the Black uprisings, flooding the streets of major Black urban centers.

November 1967

3,500 Philadelphia students walked out of school and marched to the Board of Education demanding the teaching of African-American history, the right to wear African dress, more Black teachers and administrators, and the renaming of predominantly African- American schools after Black leaders. Students were confronted by two busloads of police, who were instructed by Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo to “get their Black asses.” Hundreds of students were beat, 22 people were seriously injured and 57 were arrested.

Washington D.C.’s police department starts regular random “check-ins” at 136 elementary schools.