RELEASE: Rep. Johnson Urges DFL Support for School Resource Officer Law Fix

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Austin Parrish, 651.297.8407 
Austin.Parrish@house.mn.gov

News Release 

Rep. Johnson Urges DFL Support for School Resource Officer Law Fix

ST. PAUL – With 44 Democrat lawmakers declaring that they do not support a fix to law that has left dozens of schools without school resources officers (SROs), State Representative Brian Johnson (R – Cambridge) is urging those Democrats who remain undecided to join with Republicans in asking Governor Walz to call a special session and work together on a solution.

“Having school resource officers in educational institutions can help deter criminal activity, making schools a safer place for both students and staff." Said Rep. Johnson. “They ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow without the distraction of violence or fear."

The new law changes what SROs are allowed to do to de-escalate aggressive or violent situations, taking 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.

House and Senate Republicans have urged Governor Walz to call a special session to clarify the SRO language that is now in law. In response, 44 Democrat lawmakers stated they do not support a special session, preferring to leave the law alone.

“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.” Concluded Rep. Johnson.

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