Rep. Crockett Investigates Police Use of Force Against Students in Texas Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Education Commissioner Mike Morath demanding answers and accountability over the use of excessive force against children in Texas public schools. 

“Texas is failing our kids. Our children deserve to go to school in an environment that fosters learning and growth, not environments where ordinary student behavior can end with a child in handcuffs, hogtied, shocked with a Taser, or pepper-sprayed.” 

Crockett expressed concern regarding the expansive presence of police in school, putting Texas students in unnecessary contact with the criminal system, further opening the door to the school-to-prison pipeline.

In her letter, Crockett highlights how officers using excessive force to respond to student behavior could ordinarily be addressed through school discipline. The letter cites a New York Times investigation documenting more than 2,600 school-based use-of-force incidents across Texas from January 2022 through December 2025.

Crockett is demanding answers regarding police involvement in routine student discipline, incident reporting, accountability for police misconduct, and potential changes to state law training. 

“The number of “incidents” is alarming. Our kiddos should not be treated like criminals. They are the future of this country, and we owe it to them to protect them from cruel and abusive behavior. I am urging our Texas leaders to exercise immediate oversight and ensure accountability for these horrific reported actions. This is unacceptable, and it has to stop.”

The full letter can be found here.