Legislative Update

Schools across Minnesota continue to face the difficult decision to remove their School Resource Officers. (SROs) Because of a change in state law passed by the Democrat majorities last session what SROs are allowed to do to de-escalate aggressive or violent situations is severely limited and takes away tools they can use to keep students and teachers safe. In response, over 40 law enforcement agencies have pulled SROs from schools across Minnesota.

Unfortunately this week we?ve already seen the harm this change has caused. A student in Mankato was badly injured in a fight that broke out that was allowed to continue because there was not an officer on site to quickly disburse the situation. I was fortunate to talk with his mother and hear her perspective on the need for SROs in school. You can view the whole story here and I ask that you continue to pray for healing for this family.

The amount of risk this puts our students and staff in is unconscionable. Without officers in the school response times are greatly reduced in the unfortunate situation where they may be needed. You can make your voice heard by adding your name to this petition urging Governor Walz to call a special session so the legislature can do it?s job and fix this before anyone else gets hurt. https://www.supportsros.com/

Political games should not be played with student and teacher safety, and I urge Democrats to do the right thing and join Republicans in addressing law enforcement?s concerns with the new law and bringing SROs back to the schools that have lost them. I call on my DFL colleagues to do what?s right and work with Republicans on a common-sense solution.

Legislative Update

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