State Representative Josh Schriver has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision not to hear appeals from the families of the Oxford High School shooting victims. The court’s ruling maintains a previous decision that grants immunity to Oxford Community Schools and its staff, despite allegations of negligence in addressing warning signs before the 2021 incident.
“This decision is a devastating blow to the families who lost everything,” stated Rep. Schriver. “By upholding broad governmental immunity, our courts have sent the message that institutional negligence carries no consequence.”
A third-party investigation by Guidepost Solutions found lapses in following school safety protocols prior to the tragedy. Their report suggested that adherence to threat assessment procedures could have prevented the shooting (Fox 2 Detroit, April 2023).
In response, Rep. Schriver has urged Attorney General Dana Nessel to conduct an independent investigation into these systemic failures. He has also introduced legislation aimed at repealing governmental immunity protections in cases involving gross negligence or preventable harm, advocating for a legal avenue for families seeking justice.
As part of his duties on the House Oversight Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government, Schriver continues to investigate failures within state agencies and school systems, promoting transparency and accountability.
Beyond seeking justice, Schriver supports prevention-focused safety strategies. His February 2023 article emphasized peer-to-peer youth mentorship programs as effective in reducing violence and enhancing student resilience. A Baylor University study on such initiatives indicated their success in encouraging students to report concerning behavior and intervene preemptively (Baylor University, 2015).
Schriver is also pushing forward legislation for the Sentinel Concealed Carry program, which would allow trained school staff to act as armed defenders during active threats.
“This is not the end,” declared Schriver. “The legislature has the moral obligation to step in where the courts have stepped back. We will fight for the truth, for justice, and for real change that protects Michigan’s students.”
