17 Programs and Practices to Promote a Safe Campus: Alternatives to School Policing and Punitive Practices

Increases in student experiences with social and mental health, acts of violence, and the school-to-prison nexus have prompted many schools to evaluate alternatives to safety that are equitable, inclusive, and student and family-centered. Punitive approaches to school safety have been shown to disproportionately affect underserved schools and students, especially racially- and ethnically-minoritized students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ + students, and students of low socioeconomic status. Building on an equity-based framework, we reviewed the literature on school safety alternatives that promote a safe, inclusive campus and foster students' overall wellbeing. In our scoping review, we identified 17 alternatives aligned with the equity-based framework. We then used an integrative review to organize these alternatives into four approaches: Equity and Inclusion, Social-psychological, Community-based, and Self-governance. Research findings of these approaches support the adoption of programs and practices across these four areas to enhance students’ overall well-being and provide an equitable and safe environment for all within the school community.