Parents push for return of campus police after Franklin High student’s suicide

The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined that 17-year-old Xavier Nungaray-Martinez died by suicide after falling from a fourth-floor corridor at Franklin High School in Highland Park. In response, a group of parents and community members held a news conference urging the LAUSD board to restore police presence on campuses, saying bullying and a lack of security contributed to the tragedy. The district had removed most school officers in 2020, cutting the police budget by $25 million and eliminating 133 positions.

While some parents and police unions view officers as essential deterrents, student activists and groups such as Students Deserve argue that additional counselors, trained staff and restorative justice practices are the proper response. LAUSD officials have pledged to increase mental-health services but have not commented on the police request. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over how best to ensure safety in Los Angeles schools.