A Massachusetts police department has ended its “high-five” youth outreach program due to concerns that the program could potentially traumatize black children and the children of illegal immigrants.
Under the Northampton Police Department’s “High Five Friday” program, uniformed police officers visited schools on a weekly basis and greeted students with high-fives as they got off the school bus.
According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, the program, suggested by the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, was meant as a way to “connect with students and show support for schools.”
However, after complaints from members of the public, the program has been suspended.