Yanitza Cubilette received the Soros Youth Justice fellowship in 2017. She founded the BBSU as a Soros Youth Justice fellow. 

CT BBSU held it's the first statewide youth meeting at the Whitneyville Cultural Center.

Over 30 young people from BBSU member organizations testify in support of HB7082, the bill that became the Black & Latinx Studies legislation. Many participants were at the Capitol for the first time, marking a historic moment in Connecticut.

House passes HB7082 as amended (House Amendment) on May 22; referred to Appropriations on May 10.

Governor signs Public Act 19-12 on June 21, making it mandatory that every public high school in Connecticut offer a Black & Latinx Studies course for grades 9–12. SERC develops the curriculum.

Governor signs Public Act 19-12 on June 21, making it mandatory that every public high school in Connecticut offer a Black & Latinx Studies course for grades 9–12. SERC develops the curriculum.

• Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA), Hartford

• Citywide Youth Coalition, New Haven

• CT Students for a Dream, Statewide

• Hearing Youth Voices, New London

• Radical Advocates for Cross-Cultural Education (RACCE)

Community members identify additional local campaigns for police-free schools in Waterbury, New London, and New Haven.

CFC members review research, explore legislative remedies, and establish tiers of commitments, scheduling, conveners, and a steering committee.

CFC focuses on legislative language, partner one-on-ones, and coordinating campaign logistics.

Plans in Waterbury and New Haven to maintain or expand police roles in schools highlight the importance of coalition growth and advocacy.

CFC holds a press conference calling on lawmakers to remove police from schools. Recommendations include dissolving SROs, disentangling schools from systems of incarceration, and redefining SRO roles.

• Press Article

• Press Release

Sponsored by Senator Murphy, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for law enforcement officers in schools and establishes a grant program to replace them with personnel supporting mental health and trauma-informed services.

Organizations break down federal legislation and its relevance to local campaigns.

Over 30 folks representing 13 organizations joined a call and the coalition was fully launched.

1. New Britain Racial Justice Coalition

2. Bridgeport Strong

3. C4D

4. BBSU-Hartford

5. RACCE

6. SEJ

7. YB Society (BHCA - Hartford)

8. C4D

9. Citywide Youth Coalition, Inc.

10. Middletown Racial Justice Coalition

11. Hearing Youth Voices

12. Grow Hartford Youth Program

13. Waterbury Strong Community Collective

• Press conference at the Legislative Office Building

• Social media workshop

• Teach-in with RACCE

• Panel discussion

BBSU and partner organizations conduct sessions to refine messaging.

Ned Lamont reelected; Democrats retain majorities in the House and Senate.

Senator Gary Winfield introduces An Act Concerning School Resource Officers. The bill mandates MOUs with law enforcement specifying SRO duties, including student interactions, training, and use of restraint or firearms. Recommendations include non-police responses to nonviolent student disruptions, restorative practices, and a working group to study school-based interventions.

Over 100 participants submit written and verbal testimony, including emotional testimony from Black and Latino students who shared personal experiences of police in schools. The hearing informs amendments and discussions for the bill.

• Press Release

A revised version of SB 1095 is reintroduced as SB 1 and passed into law. It incorporates stakeholder feedback, requires school boards to post MOUs online, defines SRO duties, and ensures accountability while prioritizing restorative approaches in schools.