UP Gazette

State Representative Jaime Greene, Republican vice chair of the House Education Committee, is calling on Democrat leaders in the House to prioritize the comprehensive bipartisan school safety plan that was introduced a year ago. The legislation, which aims to implement the recommendations of a legislative task force formed after the Oxford school tragedy, has yet to receive a hearing or a vote.

"School safety is a priority for every single parent who has a child in our schools," said Greene. "Why isn't the House Education Committee making this a priority? These bills prioritize the well-being of our children, ensuring they can learn and grow in environments free from harm. Every effort must be made to protect our schools as places of learning, not fear."

The bipartisan task force, which consisted of teachers, administrators, parents, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and other experts, met after the Oxford school shooting to identify policy solutions to prevent future acts of violence against students and teachers. The task force released its report in December 2022.

The comprehensive plan, outlined in House Bills 4088-4100, aims to establish a unified approach to school safety and student mental health. One of the bills, House Bill 4091, introduced by Greene, focuses on updating building codes to include modern security features such as safer corners and bullet-resistant glass. It also sets safety guidelines for school building lockdown procedures.

Other bills in the plan include the establishment of the School Safety and Mental Health Commission, which would identify best practices for schools to address behavioral, physical, and mental health needs. Additionally, the plan calls for the dedication of school staff to student safety and mental health, the implementation of statewide safety standards for school buildings, the expansion and improvement of the OK2SAY confidential tip line, and the enhancement of responses to school safety crises.

Greene emphasized the need to explore additional ways to protect colleges and other locations, in addition to K-12 schools. She expressed frustration at the lack of progress in moving the legislation forward, stating, "On the one-year anniversary of the MSU shooting, we had every opportunity to hold a hearing and discuss the school safety plan today. Why didn't we? Not taking up these bills is a disservice to the people we represent."

It is now up to Democrat leaders in the House to respond to Rep. Greene's call for action on the bipartisan school safety legislation. The importance of prioritizing the safety of students and creating a secure learning environment cannot be overstated.