THE WHITE HOUSE AT WORK



Monday, April 13, 1998

PRESIDENT CLINTON:
SAFE, STRONG SCHOOLS FOR AMERICA'S CHILDREN

A recent study shows that the overall crime rate in our schools did not change significantly between 1989 and 1995, but it confirms that some schools have serious problems. Most disturbing, the study found that the number of students reporting gangs in their schools has nearly doubled. This is unacceptable. Gangs -- and the guns, drugs and violence that go with them -- must be stopped from ever reaching the schoolhouse door.

- President Bill Clinton
April 12, 1998

Over the weekend, the Attorney General and Secretary of Education forwarded the President a report comparing school crime in 1989 and 1995. While the study indicates little or no change in the overall level of school crime, it shows that the number of students reporting gangs in their schools has nearly doubled. In response, the President announced the availability of $5 million for innovative school safety initiatives and called on Congress to enact his proposed $700 million in Anti-Gang and Youth Violence initiatives.

Working To Ensure Safe, Quality Schools For America's Children. President Clinton is fighting to keep our schools safe from the dangerous and deadly mix of gangs, guns and drugs through efforts that reduce youth crime and violence. To support these efforts, the President announced the availability of $5 million from the Safe and Drug-Free School programs to develop innovative strategies to prevent drug use, violence and prevent weapons from entering our schools. The President also challenged Congress to enact key components of his Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Strategy, including:



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