DC School Safety and National Guard Deployment
As nearly 100,000 students return to classrooms across Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has rejected the idea that National Guard troops deployed under former President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown should play a role in student safety.
“We don’t need federal agencies to help get kids to school,” Bowser told media. “We will take care of getting our kids to school.”
Her comments come as the district reports its highest English language arts proficiency rate on record, alongside significant gains in math since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns Over Troop Presence in Washington
The Trump administration authorized more than 2,000 National Guard troops in the capital amid rising concerns over crime. Their presence, however, has sparked questions after a military-style vehicle was involved in an accident last week.
Troops have been stationed at Metro rail hubs, which are widely used by students commuting to school. Critics fear this could escalate tension rather than promote safety.
Bowser countered that D.C. already runs a Safe Passage program with local police and offers a Safe Connect initiative, which provides rides for families who feel unsafe.
Bowser: Crime Dropping Without Federal Aid
Bowser emphasized that crime had already fallen “precipitously” before the federal surge.
“I think calling men and women from their homes and their jobs and their families—they have to be used on mission-specific items that benefit the nation,” she said. “I don’t think we have an armed militia in the nation’s capital.”
Still, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith acknowledged that some community members and officers have found the federal presence helpful.
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Philadelphia Schools Face Safety and Transit Challenges
In Philadelphia, where nearly 200,000 students are also returning to classrooms, School District Superintendent Tony Watlington pointed to investments in “safety zones” and increased patrols in high-risk areas through partnerships with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Watlington said Philadelphia is hiring more school safety officers and working with community groups on “safe paths” programs. “When kids feel connected and supported, they are more likely to speak up when something seems wrong,” he said.
Yet parents remain concerned about public transit cuts to SEPTA, which many students rely on. “We just can’t go and get more yellow school buses and put them on the street in Philadelphia,” Watlington noted.
Shared Priority: A Safe and Joyful Return
Despite differing approaches, officials in both cities agree: student safety is the top priority.
At a recent pep rally, Bowser encouraged D.C. residents to cheer and celebrate students during their first week back.
“Our children deserve and will get a joyful start to their school year,” Bowser said. “We want them to have a great school year, and we’re all going to be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them.”
