Schools Without Police: Shifting Funds to Mental Health and Student Support.
This bill redirects federal funding away from maintaining police presence in schools towards hiring counselors, social workers, nurses, and psychologists. The goal is to reduce student arrests and referrals to law enforcement, particularly among marginalized groups, by replacing punitive measures with trauma-informed support services. This aims to improve academic outcomes and foster safer, trust-based learning environments.
Key points
Prohibits the use of federal funds for hiring, maintaining, or training police officers (SROs) in elementary and secondary schools.
Establishes a $5 billion grant program for schools that remove police and invest in mental health, de-escalation, and trauma-informed personnel.
Grant funds must be used for hiring specialists (e.g., psychologists, counselors) and cannot be used for surveillance equipment (e.g., metal detectors, facial recognition) or arming school staff.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3214
Sponsor: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Process start date: 2023-11-02