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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2001

Statement

Statement of NEA President Bob Chase on Report Finding Enhanced School Safety

Justice Dept. Report Finds Good News on School Safety

Washington, D.C. - "The Justice Department's report finding increases in school safety indicators is great news for students, parents, and the school staff who have been working diligently to maintain our schools as sanctuaries from societal violence.

"As educators, we know that schools have always been the safest places for children to be. But we take great pride in knowing that our multi-pronged efforts to enhance school safety are paying off. For years now we have been working to keep weapons out of school, increase conflict resolution, anger management training and peer mediation, to share other effective school safety programs through the NEA Safe Schools Now Network broadcasts, and to enlist greater community support. Make no mistake, this good news will serve to reinforce our efforts not to diminish the work in the least.

"We also commend law enforcement, parents, the community, and of course students for helping us to protect our schools, because truly everyone has a role to play in keeping schools safe.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.