After nearly two weeks of widespread protests against police violence in and around the District, a Prince George’s County Board of Education committee has moved to end its relationship with the police department and remove officers from schools.

During a virtual budget committee meeting Monday night, members voted to cancel the board’s school resource officer contract with the Prince George’s County Police Department and all other police departments in the county, citing research showing that their presence in schools is often associated with higher rates of suspensions, expulsions, and arrests.

After being passed by the committee, the recommendation will go to the full board for a vote. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for June 11.

Under the proposed change, the Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO, Monica E. Goldson, will have 60 days to provide a plan ensuring that the Prince George’s County schools are in compliance with the Maryland Safe to Learn Act, with access to adequate police coverage and specifics regarding de-escalation and cultural competency training for staff.

Neither the Prince George’s County Board of Education nor the PGPD immediately responded to DCist’s request for comment on the vote.

The committee also voted to amend the proposed budget to add $5 million to hire social workers and mental health professionals who reflect the school system’s demographics. According to data from Prince George’s County Public Schools, the 55 percent of enrolled students are black. The funds will also go toward bringing in specialists to assist students who are behind their grade levels in reading.

The move comes as many participants in demonstrations in the region and nationwide following the death of George Floyd have called for major reforms to law enforcement agencies, including defunding police departments.

This story will be updated.