The initiative is designed to spotlight federal school safety resources and evidence-based practices accessible through the SchoolSafety.gov platform.
The initiative is designed to spotlight federal school safety resources and evidence-based practices accessible through the SchoolSafety.gov platform.
The Biden-Harris Administration, in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice, has launched a public awareness campaign concerning safety in the American school system.
The initiative is designed to spotlight federal resources and evidence-based practices accessible through the SchoolSafety.gov platform.
The campaign, timed to coincide with the back-to-school season, aims to equip school administrators, educators, parents, guardians, as well as state and local government officials with knowledge and tools for ensuring school safety and security.
The ultimate objective is to further the mission of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act by accelerating and enhancing the implementation of programs and strategies that contribute to the creation of secure and supportive learning environments for students and educators.
The government is responsible for ensuring community safety, particularly for children, said Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of homeland security. He also pointed out that the safety and security of schools where children and educators interact must be a top priority.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona stressed that student and educator safety remains high on their agenda.
He said he wants all school and district leaders, educators and staff, and students and families to know that SchoolSafety.gov provides a comprehensive platform for fostering positive learning environments.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of doing everything possible to maintain the safety of schools and children. He views SchoolSafety.gov as an invaluable resource.
Attorney General Merrick Garland reaffirmed the SchoolSafety.gov initiative’s mission of transforming every school into a secure and conducive place for learning.
As part of the campaign, SchoolSafety.gov will provide an array of content, including videos, a communications toolkit, and infographics, to assist schools in raising awareness about safety, accessing support, and sharing campaign information across their communities.
A webinar will also showcase federal training and technical assistance centers dedicated to school safety, school climate, and mental health support.
The campaign materials will be available through a dedicated hub on the portal throughout August and September.
SchoolSafety.gov functions as the public website of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse, a collaborative effort among ED, DHS, DOJ, and HHS. It offers access to numerous resources and evidence-based practices that can aid in developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs tailored to individual school settings. These resources encompass topics such as bullying prevention, student mental health support, school climate, emergency planning, and violence prevention.
Furthermore, SchoolSafety.gov provides tools that identify federal school safety funding opportunities and grant programs.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which is integral to the government’s commitment to enhancing student, school, and community safety, plays a pivotal role in advancing safety and security initiatives in education settings.
The Luke and Alex School Safety Act, incorporated into BSCA, officially established the Clearinghouse, charging it with the task of identifying and publishing evidence-based practices and recommendations on SchoolSafety.gov to improve school safety.
