Bergman votes “yea” on STOP School Violence Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Michigan’s 1st District House Representative Jack Bergman voted to pass H.R. 4909, also known as the STOP School Violence Act on Wednesday.

The Students, Teachers and Officers Preventing School Violence Act is set to create a grant program to empower students, teachers, school officials and law enforcement so they can identify and intervene before violence occurs. This includes funding for school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams, support law enforcement coordination efforts and training to prevent student violence against others and self.

Funding from the STOP School Violence Act will also cover technology and equipment to improve school security and prevent attacks, including anonymous reporting systems, metal detectors, locks, lighting and other technologies. The bill provides for the creation of an anonymous reporting system to provide tips about potential attacks and person who may be inclined to commit acts of violence on campus.

“As a grandfather to eight school-aged grandchildren, I take the issue of school safety very seriously. Our nation’s schools must be a safe place where students can focus freely on their education. The STOP School Violence Act isn’t the final answer to school safety, it’s simply the first step,” said Bergman in a statement. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving the goal of safety in our schools. However, we must act on every level to ensure our students remain safe as they receive their education.” – said Bergman. “As I continue to meet with teachers, students, parents, superintendents, and law enforcement officers throughout the district, school safety remains a top priority of our discussion. I’m committed to continuing my work to ensure our schools in the 1st District have the resources needed to ensure the safety and security of all students.”

The STOP School Violence Act passed in the House 407-10. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.