A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

STATEMENT BY EDUCATION SECRETARY RICHARD W. RILEY ON THE NSBA "VIOLENCE IN THE SCHOOLS" REPORT

This report clearly shows that the concern about violence in our nation's schools now extends to all communities -- urban, suburban, and rural. More than 80 percent of those responding reported increases in school violence during the past five years, 35 percent saying the increase was "significant."

The good news in this report is that school and community leaders across America are not idly wringing their hands but are focusing diligently on the violence issue and exploring creative solutions to the violence problems.

President Clinton's Goals 2000: Educate America Act would enact the six national education goals into law, thereby making it formal national policy that `By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning.'

To that end, Congressional passage of the Present's Safe Schools Act (S. 1125 - H.R. 2455), and the omnibus crime bill (H.R.3375 - S.1607), will provide a vital national focus on this issue and provide substantially increased resources to deal with the dangers of school violence.