SAINT PAUL, MN – Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) released the following statement regarding changes to the student disciplinary policy that passed last session that is causing the removal of student resource officers (SRO) from public schools:
“I’ve heard from many parents, teachers and school officials who are concerned about a change in state law that has led law enforcement and school districts to remove School Resource Officers from schools across the state, including in my district. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt recently announced that she will not allow SROs to work in Rockford Area Schools, which serves students from Corcoran and Greenfield."
“Safety in our schools transcends politics. Public officials from both parties have expressed concerns and I am urging Governor Walz to call a Special Session of the legislature so we can provide the clarity needed in statute to get SROs back in the schools. Students, teachers and families should not have to wait until we go back into session on February 12, 2024, to get this fixed. I coauthored a bill today that would return SROs to the same rules they have operated under successfully for many years.”
“Without SROs in schools, valuable opportunities to build positive relationships with students are lost and students, teachers and staff are at greater risk if an altercation occurs and no one is on site with the training to intervene safely. Even in schools where SROs are still present, they will need to call patrol officers in to handle fights and other physical situations. The time lost while waiting for patrol officers to arrive could increase harm to students and staff unnecessarily.”
“All of us want students, teachers, and staff to be safe so that the next generation of Minnesotans can reach their full academic potential. Haphazardly passing laws that result in SROs being removed from schools will make students, teachers and staff less safe.”
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