During a recent government meeting, students from Miami Jackson Senior High School passionately advocated for significant changes in their educational environment, focusing on health education and student well-being.

One student emphasized the need for the Department of Education to approve a comprehensive health education curriculum for the 2024 and 2025 school years. This curriculum aims to provide students with essential knowledge about their bodies, consent, and healthy relationships, addressing the alarming rates of STDs and unintended pregnancies among high schoolers. The student argued that education should extend beyond abstinence, empowering peers to make informed decisions regarding their health.

Additionally, the students called for the establishment of a community advisory board to support the creation of school pantries that would supply non-toxic hygiene products. They expressed concern over the current focus on policing in schools, advocating instead for a nurturing environment that prioritizes student welfare over increased security measures. One speaker specifically requested that school resource officers leave their firearms in vehicles, highlighting a desire for a safer, more supportive school atmosphere.

The meeting also featured discussions on restorative justice practices, with students arguing for alternatives to expulsion and arrest for disciplinary issues. They believe that restorative approaches could foster a more constructive school environment.

Overall, the students' testimonies underscored a collective call for educational reforms that prioritize health education and student support, aiming to create a safer and more informed school community.