Bill would set statewide standards for active-shooter drills, take student trauma into account
No public school student could be forced to participate in an active shooter simulation, and active-shooter drills would have to be age-appropriate and sensitive to student trauma — under a bill moving forward in the Minnesota Senate. New Brighton Democrat Mary Kunesh says as an educator…
“I have had many kids crouching down there, in tears, absolutely terrified saying, ‘Is this for real? Is this for real? Is there really somebody out there? Are they gonna shoot us?’ ”
The bill, co-sponsored by Apple Valley Democrat Erin Maye Quade, requires time after an active shooter drill for students to de-brief and access mental health services if they wish. At least 24-hour notice whenever possible must be given to parents, who would have the option of opting-out their student. Minnesota advocates with the group Sandy Hook Promise say there must be uniform standards for active shooter drills.
