The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice, launched a public awareness campaign to promote federal school safety resources available through SchoolSafety.gov. The initiative aims to educate school administrators, teachers, parents and government officials about evidence-based practices for safer schools and communities, according to an Aug. 17 news release.
“We must do everything we can to keep our schools and kids safe. SchoolSafety.gov is a tremendous resource that education and community members can use to support safe positive environments for all students and educators,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “We are honored to partner with the Departments of Education, Justice and Homeland Security to raise awareness of this terrific resource.”
This effort is part of a series of actions undertaken by the Biden-Harris administration to bolster safety within schools and communities. Through this campaign, the administration intends to provide enlightenment to diverse stakeholders, including school administrators, educators, parents, guardians, as well as state and local government officials, about the comprehensive resources available at SchoolSafety.gov, the release reported.
The ultimate objective is to advance the mission of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act by accelerating and enhancing the implementation of programs and strategies that empower families, communities and schools to create and expand successful school safety measures, according to the release.
“Government has few responsibilities more important than ensuring the safety of our communities – especially our children. To protect our children and educators, we must ensure the schools they attend and work in are safe and secure,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in the release. “The Department of Homeland Security and our partners in the Biden-Harris Administration are working together to make sure every child and educator enjoys the safe and secure environment they deserve, whether it is by making available safety resources to every school through SchoolSafety.gov, cutting through red tape to help schools access critical security funding, or supporting local law enforcement agencies across the country.”
“The SchoolSafety.gov initiative is aimed at harnessing resources and capabilities across government to help make every school a safe place to learn,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in the release. “The Justice Department will continue to work closely with our partners in government and communities across the country to help keep our schools safe.”
As part of this campaign, SchoolSafety.gov will offer a range of resources, including videos, communications toolkits and infographics. These resources are designed to assist schools in enhancing safety measures, accessing support and seamlessly sharing information about the campaign within their communities. An informative webinar will spotlight federal training and technical assistance centers that focus on issues related to school safety, school climate and mental health support, the release said.
