Hawaii Senate Bill SR104

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

By urging the development of a memorandum of understanding and other protocols, SR104 aims to delineate the roles of school officials and police, particularly in addressing misconduct. The resolution advocates for a proactive approach to student behavior that includes various school resources—such as counselors and response teams—prioritizing educational solutions over punitive measures. Furthermore, it points to research suggesting that collaborative protocols can lead to significant reductions in student suspensions and arrests, enhancing both student outcomes and safety on campuses.

Summary

Senate Resolution 104 seeks to improve the relationship between educational institutions and law enforcement in Hawaii's unique educational landscape, characterized by a single, unified school district. The resolution underscores the urgent need for clear guidelines governing student discipline and police involvement on school campuses. This is especially relevant in light of incidents, such as the concerning arrest of a young student at Mililani Elementary School, which highlight the potential dangers of ambiguous protocols. Recognizing these challenges, SR104 calls for a collaborative effort among the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and each county's police commission to establish effective governing protocols by August 1, 2022.

Contention

While the resolution is rooted in a well-intentioned effort to foster safer educational environments, it may face scrutiny regarding the balance between school safety and the rights of students. Concerns may arise about how these protocols could be implemented in practice, particularly in terms of policing strategies and the potential for over-policing in schools. Additionally, the suggestion to include restorative justice programs may generate discussions about effectiveness and resource allocation within schools to support such initiatives. The resolution calls for further collaboration and input from child development and justice experts, indicating sensitivity to these critical issues.