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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 14, 2020 04:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joanna E. McClinton |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Conflict Resolution Instruction in Schools to Decrease Gun Violence |
| We see it all too often on the nightly news – another young person lost to senseless gun violence in our state. This is not confined to one area of Pennsylvania and is a growing problem in many communities, including my legislative district. No one should have to worry about losing their son, daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild when they go outside to play or when they are walking home. It truly is every family’s worst nightmare and it happens far too often in our society. Reducing gun violence should be a multi-pronged effort and will be achieved through a collaborative effort from all of us including law enforcement, elected officials, community leaders and neighbors — especially our young people. We may disagree on many policy areas, but we all want our children to be safe at school and when they are out in public areas. In this vein, my legislation will require public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution and how to resolve differences peacefully to all students, with the stated goal of reducing violence. This instruction shall be age appropriate and be incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education will compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. We need all hands on deck to confront the growing problem of violence, specifically gun-related violence, in our communities. By providing young people with the tools necessary to deal with conflict and resolve differences appropriately, hopefully we can help stem the tide of violence in Pennsylvania. |
Introduced as HB2895
Memo Updated: September 14, 2020 04:19 PM