substitute for

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 225

A resolution to declare February 4, 2022, as School Safety Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, In the 2017-2018 school year, more than 3,659 threats and incidents of violence occurred in American K-12 schools; and

Whereas, The 2017-2018 school year saw 279 incidents of violence compared to 131 events in the 2016-2017 school year; and

Whereas, November 30, 2021, ended with the loss of Hana St. Juliana, Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, and Justin Shilling from Oxford High School. This tragedy has shattered our state and we grieve with their families, friends, and the entire Oxford community; and  

Whereas, This loss of life and innocence at Oxford High School, Parkland, Columbine, Sandy Hook Elementary, and all other schools in America is unbearable, soul crushing, unacceptable, and perhaps even preventable; and

Whereas, It is incumbent upon us to collectively raise our voices and say not one more, and take all measures and actions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our children, educators, and school staff; and

Whereas, Creating safe school environments requires a comprehensive, coordinated effort including schoolwide, districtwide, and communitywide strategies where all institutions, organizations and individuals must accept responsibility for their critical roles and collaborate to establish a positive environment for teaching and learning; and

Whereas, Safe schools provide an environment where teaching and learning are not distracted; disruptions are minimized; drugs, violence, bullying and fear are not present; students are not discriminated against; expectations for behavior are clearly communicated and standards of behavior are maintained; and consequences for infractions are consistently and fairly applied; and

Whereas, Even if the incident is not experienced directly, the number of incidents, the intense level of attention, and the elevated anxiety impacts educators, students and their communities; and

Whereas, Acts of violence have multiple causes and will require multiple solutions to prevent as many tragedies as we can, and heal from the acts we are unable to stop; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body declare February 4, 2022, as School Safety Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.