News Release
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2000
 

Greenleaf Seeks House Consideration of Safe Schools Bill

HARRISBURG --Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf, sponsor of a violence-prevention measure for schools, is asking for House Education Committee consideration of the bill in aftermath of a schoolyard shooting September 26 in New Orleans.

In a letter to Education Committee Chairman Jess Stairs, Greenleaf said that the Louisiana incident that left two students wounded is another example of the need for efforts aimed at training staff and students in non-violent conflict resolution methods.

Greenleaf noted that the two students involved in the shooting reportedly had been arguing.

"Schools can teach alternative ways of resolving disputes. We can't just assume that young people will think through the consequences of lashing out violently when they have a disagreement," Greenleaf said.

Senate Bill 332, which the senator developed in close cooperation with the Pennsylvania State Education Association, takes a preventive approach to school violence. In addition to training in conflict resolution, the measure allows school employees to use reasonable force to stop violence and provides immunity for those assisting injured students. The bill sets forth reporting requirements by school employees and administrators concerning acts of violence and potential violence, and specifies disciplinary and counseling procedures for drug and alcohol violations. It also provides further authorization for alternative education placement.

Senate Bill 332 was approved by a Senate vote of 48-2 and sent to the House Education Committee in June.

"We can sit on our hands and say nothing will help, or we can give the approach contained in this legislation a try," Greenleaf said. "I am asking the House Education Committee to give this legislation a chance."