This episode of amplifiED digs deep into the debate that has played out in Minnesota politics since the start of the school year: the implementation of legislation limiting dangerous holds and restraints on students by SROs and other adults in a school setting. Maren Hulden, supervising attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's Disability Law Center, joins Josh Crosson and Margaret Sullivan to discuss what has happened over the last couple of months, the multiple sides in this debate, and what the legislation allows and does not allow based on the exact reading of the law. The discussion also covers the voices of those who are disproportionately impacted but are currently missing from this discussion: Black, Brown, and Indigenous students and students with disabilities. Finally, Maren, Josh, and Margaret all discuss what the next steps are for this legislation, what might play out in the 2024 Minnesota legislative session, and how we can ensure students remain safe in schools.

Resource mentioned in the podcast: https://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-police-presence-in-schools-needs-the-new-limits/600302251/

Timestamps:

[00:06:34 ] Education reform: Suspension solutions, legal aid, universal meals, police in schools.

[00:12:21 ] Democrats take control of MN.

[00:18:23 ] Regulate kids with disabilities, not without

[00:23:24 ] Law enforcement debate over restraint laws.

[00:29:44 ] Ban on prone for kids with disabilities.

[00:36:43 ] Law enforcement accountability in schools: Difficult to enforce, Democrats disagree.

[00:41:51 ] Lawyers disagree on statutory interpretation.

[00:46:28 ] safety in mind.Legislative language to meet all needs.

[00:53:56 ] Advocating for student safety: Maren Hulden

In the AmplifiEd podcast, we dig into the issues of the day, the opportunities and challenges facing students, educators, and families, and the ways policy, advocacy, and collaboration can ensure better outcomes for us all.

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At EdAllies, we partner with schools, families, and communities to ensure that all Minnesota students have access to a rigorous and engaging education. We advance policies that put underserved students first, remove barriers facing successful schools and programs, and foster an inclusive conversation about what's possible for students.