The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations has released an animated short film documenting how school policing affected a Black student, as part of ongoing efforts to address racial disparities in school discipline.
The four-minute film, titled "Echoes of a System," features real-life testimony from a student and family impacted by school policing practices. The animated format allows viewers to follow the student's progression through the Antelope Valley School System, with a parent providing narration throughout.
"This film gives the public a rare and intimate look at how school policing can shape a young person's daily reality," said Robin Toma, executive director of the commission. "By sharing this story, we aim to spark honest conversations about safety, dignity, and how schools can best serve every student."
The film draws from the commission's School Safety Narrative Collection Initiative, launched in 2023 following reports that revealed significant racial disparities in school policing in the Antelope Valley region.
According to a report by the LA County Office of the Inspector General, Black students comprised just 17.8% of district enrollment but accounted for 67.3% of school-based arrests. A separate study by Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Cal State Northridge found that Black residents were disproportionately stopped, searched and detained throughout the region.
Paul Smith, senior human relations consultant for the commission's Transformative Justice Program, said the film serves as a catalyst for policy changes.
"Stories have the power to shift hearts and minds," Smith said. "We hope this film fosters greater awareness, empathy, and engagement toward policies grounded in dignity and restorative principles."
Community leaders have praised the project for highlighting systemic issues while promoting alternative approaches to school safety.
"For too long, the narratives surrounding incarceration have been dominated by punishment and fear," said Waunette Cullors, CEO and founder of The WOW Flower Project, a community partner organization. "Our goal is to shift this perspective towards one that emphasizes healing, community support, and the dismantling of harmful systems."
The commission held a special screening of the film on Aug. 4 in the Antelope Valley, attended by parents, students and community leaders. The organization has since shared the film and related reports with oversight bodies, educators and community groups to support advocacy for mental health services, restorative practices and culturally responsive alternatives to traditional policing methods.
As schools across the county begin the new academic year, the commission hopes the film will influence ongoing discussions about student safety and discipline policies. The animated format was chosen to protect the privacy of those sharing their experiences while making their stories accessible to broader audiences.
The film represents part of a larger initiative by LA County to examine and reform school policing practices. The commission has been working with various stakeholders to develop alternatives that prioritize student well-being over punitive measures.
In conjunction with the film's release, the commission is promoting a companion resource toolkit created by the LA County Probation Oversight Commission. The toolkit, available in English and Spanish, provides step-by-step guidance for students and families dealing with issues involving school resource officers.
The Probation Oversight Commission was authorized in 2024 by the Board of Supervisors to provide free assistance with community complaints about School Resource Deputies at schools served by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies.
The commission's broader goal is to encourage school districts to adopt policies that address the root causes of student behavioral issues rather than relying primarily on law enforcement interventions. Officials hope the personal narrative featured in "Echoes of a System" will help policymakers and community members understand the long-term impact of current practices on students of color.
The film and related resources are available through the LA County Commission on Human Relations website as part of their ongoing effort to promote more equitable approaches to school safety.