Representative Robert C. Scott hosted a congressional briefing on March 13, 2001 on the problems on youth violence as well as the implications for public policy. Participants examined the problems of school violence, discussed violence prevention and early intervention strategies, and made recommendations for effective policies to reduce youth violence and crime. Presenters at the briefing included Dr. Dewey Cornell, Clinical Psychologist and Professor at the University of Virginia; Dr. James Fox, Professor of Criminal Justice at Northeastern University; Dr. Joseph Galano, Associate Professor at the College of William and Mary; Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, and Reinaldo "Rennie" Rodriquez, Program Manager, GREAT Branch, AFT's Training and Professional Development Division.

 

Dr. Cornell recommended that congress should:

Support scientifically rigorous investigation of student threats and support the development and field-testing of threat assessment guidelines and policies along the lines of the FBI's threat assessment report.

Pass legislation specifically guaranteeing students the right to be free from bullying and harassment in public schools.

Provide schools with resources for counselors and school psychologists to work with aggressive students and victims of bullying.

Dr. Cornell concluded his remarks by advising:

"In closing, the problem of violence in schools is complex, and we cannot let the frightening images of recent tragedies, no matter how compelling, determine our policies. The facts are that schools are safe places, and they are safer today than they were 5 years ago, before school shootings gripped the nation. Schools do need policies and procedures for dealing with students who make threats of violence, and they need strong support for responding to the problem of bullying. Congress can help make this happen."

To download a copy of Dr. Cornell's remarks, click here.