State Rep. Josh Schriver this week highlighted the decision of a Michigan state appeals court that ruled the legislature was correct in actions it took to hold school districts accountable and promote the safety of children. 

The ruling from the court allows school safety and mental health funding to be connected to a requirement for schools to provide full public disclosure from the school after a mass casualty event. The state would also launch an investigation into the incident to ensure that safety protocols and procedures were followed. 

“This is a massive win for accountability and child safety in the state of Michigan,” said Schriver (R-Oxford). “In our community, we’ve experienced firsthand the horrific reality of mass violence in our schools. There were multiple warning signs and failed protocols leading up to the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, but courts have repeatedly shielded Oxford Community Schools and staff from being held accountable. The recent appeals court decision is a massive win for accountability and a pathway for preventing future tragedies.” 

Schriver emphasized that this practice is not to target school districts, but to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect the well-being of students.  

“We are not here to attack educators,” Schriver said. “Teachers and staff across the state are passionate about the success of their students, and they have a deep sense of pride for their local community. This decision from the appeals court simply promotes transparency in the event of unthinkable tragedy. When parents lose their children in an environment that is supposed to be safe, they should absolutely be entitled to full disclosure on the circumstances of the event.”