Agudath Israel of America applauds provisions in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that will help enhance security in American schools, including private schools. The provisions, which were crafted by a bipartisan group of senators, increase appropriations for programs related to school safety and mental health services.
"We welcome these provisions and thank the bipartisan group for highlighting the unique issues facing the nation's schools," noted Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel's vice president for government affairs and Washington director. "It is no secret that Jewish schools, in particular, are considered high risk targets, and our children, teachers, and administrators need adequate resources to be protected from antisemitic terror and violence."
Agudath Israel and other private school representatives advocated for inclusion of private schools in the benefits of the bill and suggested various approaches to key senators on how best to accomplish this goal. The organization also mobilized its membership to help impress upon senators the importance of such provisions.
As a result of this advocacy, the legislation includes, among other things, a boost in funding of over one billion dollars in Education Department programs for violence and drug prevention, mental health resources, mentoring, and crisis intervention. In addition, the provisions add hundreds of millions of dollars for programs administered by the Department of Justice that seek to increase school safety by providing training, assessments, interventions, strategies, and technology related to identifying threats and preventing school violence. Funding is also available for target hardening equipment and for security officers.
These programs serve both public and private schools. In some, K-12 schools and institutions of higher education may be direct applicants. In others, schools may receive services through nonprofits that contract with a state applicant. Private schools will have to work with appropriate state agencies to learn the details of how the programs are being administered in their states.
"Any case of violence in schools is horrific and the nation must pursue every avenue available to protect all children and school personnel," concluded Rabbi Cohen. "This is but one piece of that puzzle. Agudath Israel will continue to prioritize securing our shuls, schools and other nonprofits."
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