Friends and neighbors –
A little more than a week ago, I wrote to you about a developing crisis as law enforcement departments across the state are pulling SROs from schools over law change that Democrats and Gov. Walz made this year.
The new law restricts SROs from using “prone restraints” – literally, placing a student face down – to handle violent and dangerous situations. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) has said that the new law will prevent SROs from using techniques to de-escalate dangerous situations, disarm students, and keep students safe – essentially, they will not be able to do their jobs.
Since then, there have been a few updates that I wanted to share with you.
- A large brawl broke out during the first week of classes at Mankato East High School, barely a week after SROs were removed from district schools. There were ten students involved in the fight and the school was placed into lockdown. The mother of one student told reporters, “They could have killed my son.” This disturbing incident highlights the vital role SROs play in maintaining safety.
- More than 40 Democrat legislators signed a letter opposing any changes that could fix the SRO law and return SROs to schools. They claim parent, school, and law enforcement concerns are not valid.
- Days after Gov. Walz allowed that Republicans “might be right” about the SRO issue, he reversed himself and aligned with the 40+ Democrats who wrote the letter by saying there was no need for a Special Session.
Parents, schools, and law enforcement officers are desperate for a solution. They are gravely concerned about student and teacher safety, but their pleas are falling on deaf Democrat ears. Republicans are ready to act and have proposed an easy fix. We could hold a one-day Special Session tomorrow to resolve this, we just need Gov. Walz and Democrats in the Legislature to join us.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support as we work to keep our schools and communities safe.
God Bless,