Andrea Joy Campbell: “today I introduce the School Resource Officers Partnership Grant Act of 1998, a bill which will be an important step in…”

“today I introduce the School Resource Officers Partnership Grant Act of 1998, a bill which will be an important step in our efforts to end crime in our nation's schools. This bill will help build thousands of deep, meaningful and lasting partnerships between America's local school systems, school children, and local law enforcement agencies. The need for this bill is clear. Violence in schools is both serious and deadly. Violence is disrupting our children's opportunity and ability to learn. No child anywhere in America should have to go to school with fear on their mind, rather than learning. The recent school-related shootings stand as stark and horrific examples of just how urgent the situation has become. These recent school shootings have occurred in suburbs, small towns, and major metropolitan areas all across our nation. They have shattered the myth that school violence is a problem solely confined to the inner cities. Events now clearly show that the potential for serious and deadly school violence is everywhere. Something must be done to ensure that our schools provide a safe place for our children to learn and grow.”