Bronx students were on the steps of the Department of Education?s headquarters Wednesday to protest the presence of metal detectors and police officers at their schools.

Some students say they feel criminalized by some of the department?s security policies. They say the police presence distracts them and the metal detectors sometimes make them late for classes with long lines. Some students have suggested putting more security officers in the schools instead of police officers.

The rally was led by the Urban Youth Collaborative group. Education officials have told the group in the past that each school?s principal is responsible for planning and implementing any and all programs in the buildings. The department has also encouraged the group to empower students to work at the school level to become leaders of change.