Show Details
Safeguarding America’s Colleges: Preventing Violence and Promoting Learning - Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Nothing is more important to American parents than the safety of their children… Together, we can strengthen our best practices, raise awareness of warning signs and help prevent tragedies.
--U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings
In the wake of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, and other campuses, families are asking, how safe are U.S. colleges? What can be done to identify possible threats to our students’ safety? And, how prepared are our campuses to deal with a crisis if one occurs?
In the aftermath of the recent tragedies, many colleges and universities have begun to adapt existing school violence strategies to the unique environment of higher education. Universal, "one-size-fits-all" solutions are unlikely to be helpful. But one thing is certain: educators, law enforcement, parents and community leaders can take steps now to prevent and mitigate safety breaches on campus and more effectively respond to emergencies if they occur.
The U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies have created guidance for the K-12 school community as well as for institutions of higher education that relies on a common framework, including the four phases of emergency management—prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. But the nature of college life -- where students enjoy open campuses and more freedom and privacy rights than elementary, middle or high school students – presents unique challenges. Thus, colleges and universities are encouraged to be thoughtful and comprehensive as they go about creating their specific plans to provide a safe learning environment.
The October edition of Education News will spotlight two Department programs available through the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools that aim to enhance safety on campus; talk about what rights parents and students have under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); highlight higher education institutions that are leading the effort to enhance campus safety for all students and staff; and, provide user-friendly tips for parents on ensuring the safety, health and security of students. The broadcast will ask questions such as:
- What steps are colleges and universities taking to provide a safe learning environment?
- What are the latest crises and emergency preparedness plans for college and university campuses?
- What kinds of questions should parents ask their children’s colleges and universities about their crisis and emergency preparedness plans?
- What are state, local and federal agencies doing to prevent and mitigate violence on school campuses?
- How can families recognize warning signs in their own children?
- What are parents’ and students’ rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
- Where can families go for updated and helpful resources on crisis planning and emergency response?
Disclaimer
Programs produced by the U.S. Department of Education are in the public domain. Use, duplication, and distribution are free and unrestricted. Thank You!
|
