Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would have detrimental effects for demonstrators protesting against police brutality, Introduced by Minnesota Senator David Osmek, the proposed bill would make students convicted of protest-related offenses ineligible for student loans. This bill would also make students convicted of protest-related offenses ineligible for unemployment benefits, food stamps and rent assistance.
“A person convicted of a criminal offense related to the person’s illegal conduct at a protest, demonstration, rally, civil unrest, or march is ineligible for any type of state loan, grant, or assistance, including but not limited to college student loans and grants,” the proposal reads.
Thousands of students in the area have participated in protests following the deaths of George Floyd, Philando Castile and several others within the last few years. Some University of Minnesota students are awaiting a court date after being arrested for protesting on highway I-94 in November. More recently, protesters were arrested in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota following the death of Daunte Wright.
