State Senate Education Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) today called on the Minnesota Department of Administration to provide a formal review of the statute that has been used by school boards to restrict participation in meetings. The Mankato School Board was the subject of significant scrutiny earlier in October when the board issued new rules requiring meeting participants to publicly state their addresses prior to speaking. The new rules were issued after public outcry over an August resolution requiring all K-8 students to wear masks.

“It’s no secret that in recent months we have witnessed an outpouring of concern from parents about what is taking place in schools, from CRT to mask mandates to potential vaccine requirements,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “In most cases, interactions with local school boards have been positive and productive. But not always, as the Mankato incident illustrates. Parents have every right to be involved in their children’s education without giving up their privacy — particularly while emotions are running high. We are asking the Department of Administration to provide an official review of the statute that is being interpreted to allow these restrictions. Pending the outcome of that review, action may be necessary in order to protect parents’ rights.”