Sam Gibbons: “As a Nation we can no longer sit idly by and watch while the violence in our schools continues to rise. That is why I…”

“As a Nation we can no longer sit idly by and watch while the violence in our schools continues to rise. That is why I will be holding a town forum on school violence in my district on July 7th, 1998. Recently, acts of school violence have taken place all across this country, such as the nationally publicized incidents in Arkansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Our children's lives and their promising future are at stake. It is important to realize that this battle will not be won from Washington, but from the streets, neighborhoods and schools in the communities where our children live. I encourage all Members to hold a town forum on school violence in their districts, and establish a program that supports and encourages local communities to create a comprehensive, long-term plan that will reduce violence and substance abuse among our youth. This is the only way we are going to get to save our children from a growing deadly cycle of drugs and violence in our schools and communities.”