The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) won a significant legal victory against the Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) as a judge denied MPS’ motion to dismiss and granted WILL’s application for an alternative writ, ordering MPS to comply with Wisconsin law and provide the legally required number of School Resource Officer (SROs) in all public schools no later than February 17th.
The Quotes: WILL Associate Counsel, Lauren Greuel, stated, “This is a massive triumph for parents and kids who want to go to school in a safe environment. Without this ruling, MPS would have simply continued to ignore the law and parents like our client would have been left with no options.”
Milwaukee parent and WILL client, Charlene Abughrin, expressed, “I am grateful to WILL for bringing this lawsuit. I will sleep better knowing that my child, and others, will be protected once MPS begins to comply with the law.”
More on the Judge’s Decision: If MPS fails to have 25 school resource officers in schools the morning of February 17, the district must appear before the court at 3:00 PM that afternoon to explain why they have not adhered to the law. This ruling underscores the importance of student safety and holds MPS accountable for its failure to comply with state law. As part of the ruling, the court has directed WILL to amend its initial complaint and add the City of Milwaukee to the case. The Court said it would issue a written order by Monday.
This latest WILL win compels MPS to immediately address safety concerns that have been left unresolved for an unnecessarily prolonged period. The ruling ensures that MPS is on a clear timeline to meet its obligations under the law, which is a critical step toward ensuring student and staff safety in the troubled district.
Additional background: Adopted in 2023, Wisconsin Act 12’s primary focus gave the option of a sales tax increase for both the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, but it also did more. As part of Act 12, state law was amended to require that MPS “shall ensure that no fewer than 25 school resource officers are present at schools within the district during normal school hours,” and that the school resource officers are available during certain additional time periods and events. The law requires the SROs be in place no later than January 1, 2024.
Read More:
- Complaint, Filed October 2024
Lauren Greuel
Associate Counsel