Minnesota Attorney General Provides Further Clarification on School Resource Officer Law

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has provided further clarifications to the recent amendments to a state law regarding school resource officers (SROs). Ellison stated that SROs and school staff members are allowed to use force on students to prevent bodily harm or death, but the force must be reasonable and proportional to the threat. He clarified that certain physical holds are now forbidden, including prone restraints and holds that restrict a student's ability to breathe. Ellison also emphasized that professionals in schools still have other tools at their disposal to address non-violent behavior. Approximately 40 school districts in Minnesota are currently without SROs, and Governor Tim Walz is open to a special legislative session to potentially revise the amendments.