During the recent Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board of Education meeting, a poignant testimony from a concerned parent highlighted significant issues regarding student safety and school administration responses to violence. Brandy Ami, a resident of the Pueblo of Laguna and parent of an APS student, shared her distressing experience after her daughter was assaulted at Albuquerque High School.

Ami recounted that her daughter, who has been a student at APS for several years, was attacked by two individuals. Following the incident, she expressed her frustration with the school's administration, stating that they failed to provide adequate support or communication. Instead of addressing her daughter's victimization, the school reportedly suspended her for defending herself, labeling her as the offender based on video evidence that Ami claims misrepresents the situation.

This incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of APS's policies in protecting students and supporting victims of violence. Ami's experience underscores a growing concern among parents regarding how schools handle such serious matters and the need for clearer protocols that prioritize student safety and well-being.

The board's discussion following Ami's testimony did not provide immediate solutions, but it emphasized the importance of reviewing and potentially revising policies to ensure that victims receive the support they need. As the community grapples with these issues, the call for a more responsive and compassionate approach to student safety is becoming increasingly urgent.

The meeting also touched on other topics, but Ami's testimony stood out as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by students and parents within the school system. As APS moves forward, the need for effective communication and support mechanisms will be crucial in fostering a safe educational environment for all students.