Garfield High marks one-year anniversary of fatal shooting with walkout, debate over cops on campus

Garfield High School students will honor Amarr Murphy-Paine on Friday, wearing orange shirts for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, marking one year since his tragic death. The Seattle School Board is set to discuss reintroducing police officers to the campus, a move that has divided student opinions. Murphy-Paine's father is scheduled to speak during the remembrance, as the family has filed a lawsuit against the district for alleged security negligence. A recent survey found that 46% of students felt safer with police outside the school, while 37% did not feel safer. Concerns about profiling and potential negative impacts on the school environment were also expressed in student feedback.

The district aims to address these issues while considering a pilot program for campus police. Additionally, the Seattle City Council is evaluating amendments to ensure funding for social programs accompanies any return of police presence. A proposed school levy renewal includes $235 million for safety investments, reflecting a commitment to improving school security while addressing community concerns.