Turner calls for action to expand students’ access to service animals

SPRINGFIELD - School policies protecting access to service animals for students with disabilities could be strengthened under a proposal led by State Senator Doris Turner that aims to support all students, no matter their needs.

"As we continue to equip our students with resources and support in the classroom, we need to make sure they don't face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law," said Turner (D-Springfield). "We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school."

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Turner's proposal, Senate Bill 2761, would set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

Turner's measure comes in response to a recent incident involving a Rochester High School student who utilizes a medical alert dog to manage her Type 1 diabetes - alerting the student when her blood sugar drops too low and helping her stay alive. In November, the student reported harassment from other students at a school board meeting, claiming her peers would step on her Labrador's legs - hurting his hips - pull his tail, throw food at him and bark at him in the hallways. In a video posted by the student on social media, she spoke about the issues and said the school district has not taken action to protect her service animal.

"This long-overdue proposal came directly from a student who knows her educators need access to essential information about the protections she and other students are entitled to," said Turner. "We owe it to the students and families who rely on accommodations to ensure they're met with compassion - not discrimination."

Senate Bill 2761 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.