Hawaii Senate Bill SCR117

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, And Each County's Police Commission To Collaborate And Develop Governing Protocols Regarding Student Discipline And Police Involvement On School Campuses.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the absence of defined procedures for how school officials and police should interact on school campuses, thereby potentially altering existing state laws governing student rights and police authority in schools. By establishing protocols, SCR117 intends to decrease student suspensions and arrests, fostering a more supportive environment conducive to learning and reducing the criminalization of typical school behaviors. Studies cited indicate that implementing such protocols could lead to marked improvements in student outcomes, including higher graduation rates.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 117 (SCR117) urges collaboration between the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and county police commissions to develop standardized governing protocols for student discipline and police involvement on school campuses in Hawaii. This initiative stems from notable incidents, including the police confinement of a young student, highlighting the urgent need for clear guidelines to differentiate between routine discipline and criminal conduct within educational settings. SCR117 emphasizes the necessity of effective communication and cooperation among educational and law enforcement institutions to establish these protocols.

Contention

Critics may argue that involving police in school discipline could lead to an increased risk of criminalizing minor infractions and disproportionately affecting students from marginalized backgrounds. However, supporters of the resolution posit that establishing clear, transparent guidelines will limit unnecessary police involvement while ensuring appropriate responses to genuine safety concerns. The mention of restorative justice programs in the resolution highlights a shift towards more inclusive and constructive disciplinary practices, which some may view as a contentious approach in the traditional paradigm of school discipline.