Rep. Messer to Roll Out Safe Schools ActVisits Southwestern High School, “Safest School in America”
"We need to focus on securing our schools to keep our students safe rather than going after law-abiding gun owners.”
SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Thursday, March 1, 2018) — Today Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) visited Southwestern High School, named the “Safest School in America,” and announced he will author legislation to help more schools adopt these security innovations. Messer’s “Safe Schools Act” would enable local schools to apply for matching grants to make physical and technological improvements to their schools to better protect students. “Like every American, I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Parkland,” Messer said. “I drop my kids off at school and like every parent, I should not have to wonder if they will come home that day. We need to focus on securing our schools to keep our students safe rather than going after law-abiding gun owners.” Under Messer’s bill, schools could use the grants to purchase security equipment, make infrastructure upgrades, invest in technology, or hire additional school resource officers. The Department of Homeland Security would administer the matching grant program. “Right here in Indiana, Southwestern High School has gained a national reputation for school security,” Messer said. “This commonsense legislation would enable schools across America to follow this model, protect our children, and help prevent these tragedies.” Southwestern High School, located in Messer’s district, employs the use of innovations like a direct camera feed to the county sheriff, real-time tracking, teacher panic buttons, bullet proof doors, and other innovations. Messer said the high school can be an example for other schools through several key areas, including physical improvements, coordination with law enforcement, school resource officers, school safety training for students, teachers and faculty, and ensuring student privacy as law enforcement cooperates with schools. |
