January 22, 2026
The Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition urges our local legislators, state leaders, and the Governor’s office to work with urgency on emergency measures that protect the constitutional right of every child in Minnesota to access a public education without fear.
Families in our community are increasingly concerned about their children’s safety traveling to and from school and participating fully in school life. No family should have to weigh the risk of exercising a constitutional right against the well-being of their child. Schools must remain safe, accessible spaces for learning, connection, and belonging.
Our community has stepped up in every way it can to protect and support its neighbors. Families, educators, and local leaders are doing the work on the ground, but safeguarding constitutional rights and public safety cannot rest solely on the shoulders of citizens. We need partnership and action at the state level.
We are asking for immediate legislative partnership to strengthen protections for families, including:
- Clear restrictions prohibiting the presence of enforcement agents within 500 feet of school grounds without a judicial warrant.
- Coordination with state and local law enforcement, and if necessary, the National Guard, to ensure families and students are protected while traveling to and from school.
- Legislative action to suspend or revise stay of absence rules that force districts to unenroll students due to circumstances beyond a family’s control.
Hopkins Public Schools is working diligently to support students and families within the limits of current law, but districts should not be placed in the position of navigating workarounds to protect access to education. These protections must be clearly established at the state level. We are committed to working collaboratively with lawmakers to put stronger safeguards in place. Protecting access to public education is not a political issue; it is a constitutional obligation and a moral responsibility. We ask you to act swiftly and partner with us to ensure that every student can attend school safely, consistently, and without fear.
Respectfully,
Hopkins Public Schools Legislative Action Coalition