HF951 was brought by Rep. Ruth Richardson, DFL-Mendota Heights.
A proposed bill in the Minnesota House of Representatives’ Education Policy Committee would prohibit students from kindergarten through third grade from being suspended or dismissed unless there is an ongoing safety threat or all other support plans have failed.
Richardson said it’s needed because there’s a pattern of discrimination with who is suspended or expelled, and that needs to end.
“If kids are not in school, we cannot close gaps”, Richardson said.
Richardson said it’s needed because there’s a pattern of discrimination with who is suspended or expelled, and that needs to end.
The reality of different treatment is exactly why this bill is needed. Looking at the data, the number one reason students are being suspended falls under the category of disruptive, disorderly conduct, or insubordination with the disproportionate push out of Black, Indigenous, and students with disabilities comes harmful short and long-term consequences
The idea is to support with positive reinforcement, not punishment.
“Young students that present behavior at school really need support, as those behaviors are always the students’ way of saying, ‘I have needs that aren’t being met,’” said Maren Hulden, attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
The proposed bill was introduced in February 2021. There was no vote on Wednesday on the bill. Instead, the bill was laid for possible inclusion in an omnibus policy bill. It is pending House Education Committee review.
There are five co-sponsors of the bill –
| Rep. Ruth Richardson [D] | Rep. Jay Xiong [D] | Rep. Liz Boldon [D] | Rep. Hodan Hassan [D] |
| Rep. Shelly Christensen [D] |