School violence continues to be a concern throughout our nation for many families.

The number of school shootings alone continues to increase at an alarming rate. As of April 2024, there have already been 32 school shootings within the United States. Michigan has faced alarming numbers of students who have had weapons on school property, been bullied, felt threatened or unsafe, and fought on school grounds. Michigan has faced two horrific shootings recently, one being at Oxford High School and the other at Michigan State University.

House Bill 5549 was introduced to enhance school safety by requiring Michigan schools to establish behavior threat assessment teams. The goal is to spot behavior risks before there is violence, provide education on forbidden and alarming behaviors, and differentiate between credible and non-credible threats. Appropriate interventions will be provided after identifying any concerns. Post-Oxford investigations revealed that the proper application of principles outlined in this bill could have had a greater effect in preventing this tragedy.

It is time to be proactive when it comes to school violence, instead of being reactive, and House Bill 5549 would allow this.

This bill could save lives and assist with guidance that is desperately needed to assess potential threats. It will foster a safe, healthy environment for students, parents, and staff alike, and collaboration with a cadre of professionals across disciplines will best aid in this noble goal.

I encourage you to contact the chairperson for the House Committee on Education, Rep. Matt Koleszar, to help advocate for the passage of House Bill 5549, as it is currently stalled in this committee. Matt Koleszar can be reached at 517-373-0854, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, Michigan, 48909, or mattkoleszar@house.mi.gov.

Thank you,

DANIELLE RHODE,

Posen