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FOIA Number: 2006-0467-F FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. Collection/Record Group: Clinton Presidential Records Subgroup/Office of Origin: Speechwriting Series/Staff Member: Jeff Shesol Subseries: OA/ID Number: 19946 FolderID: Folder Title: Safe Schools Video / LA shooting 8/10 - 12/99 Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: S 91 6 9 1 Brenda M. Anders 08/12/99 04:35:00 PM Record Type: Record To: [email protected]@INET@LNGTWY, Karin Kullman/OPD/EOP@EOP, OSHEA_S@A1@CD@VAXGTWY CC: Joshua S. Gottheimer/WHO/EOP@EOP, Jeffrey A. Shesol/WHO/EOP@EOP Subject: 1999-8/12 POTUS video remarks for safe schools THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release August 12, 1999 VIDEOTAPED REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S "SAFE SCHOOLS, SAFE STUDENTS: WHAT PARENTS CAN DO" TELECONFERENCE The Cabinet Room 3:35 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Hello and welcome to the many parents, students, educators and community leaders meeting in schools all' across our nation tonight. I want to thank you for taking part in this vital discussion about safe schools and safe students. Several months ago, after the tragedy in Littleton, I called on the American people to wage a national campaign to keep our schools and our children safe. I am pleased that you and so many other Americans, in so many communities, are doing just that -- stepping up to your responsibility, joining hands in the search for common ground and concrete solutions. The tragic incidents of gun violence in recent months underscore the importance of your efforts. The shooting just this week at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles -- like the recent shootings in Illinois and Indiana -- appears to have been motivated by racial and ethnic hatred. If so, it's just another reason for us to rededicate ourselves to our common community and our common humanity, and another compelling argument for the passage of hate crimes legislation and common-sense gun laws. Acts of hate against individuals are acts of hate against our values and our entire nation. So let us all speak clearly and with one voice: our nation will not stand for such acts. Acts of hate must strengthen our resolve and deepen our determination that Americans will come together and stand together and work together against violence, intolerance and hatred. In all these efforts, we must all first assume responsibility: at home and at school, in Hollywood and the heartland, and here in Washington. Parents play an especially crucial role, for no influence on a child is more important. I am very pleased that Secretary Riley and Attorney General Reno will focus this national conversation on the concerns and responsibilities of parents. You'll hear from experts who have some good and helpful ideas. But I know they, like the rest of us, are eager to hear from all of you, who already are making a difference in young lives every day. In spite of the tragedies of the last few weeks, the crime rate in America is at a 26-year low. Though it's still far too high, this shows that we can make progress. With your ideas and your hard work, America can meet this challenge. Together, we can make America the safest big nation in the world, we can put an end to the culture of violence and build in its place a culture of values we'll all be proud to pass along to our children. Thank you. END 3:38 P.M. EDT Final 08/12/99 2:30pm Jeff Shesol PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON VIDEOTAPED REMARKS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S "SAFE SCHOOLS, SAFE STUDENTS: WHAT PARENTS CAN DO" TELECONFERENCE August 12, 1999 Hello and welcome to the many parents, students, educators, and community leaders meeting in schools across our nation. I want to thank you for taking part in this vital discussion about safe schools and safe students. Several months ago, after the tragedy in Littleton, I called on the American people to wage a national campaign to keep our schools and children safe. I am pleased that you and so many other Americans, in so many communities, are doing just that. You are stepping up to your responsibility, joining hands in the search for common ground and concrete solutions. The tragic incidents of gun violence in recent months underscore the importance of your efforts. The shooting this week at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles appears to have been motivated by hatred. If so, it is another reason for us to rededicate ourselves to our common community and common humanity. And it is another compelling argument for the passage of hate crimes legislation and common-sense gun laws. Acts of hate against individuals are acts of hate against our values, and against our nation. So let us speak clearly, and with one voice: our nation will not stand for such acts. Incidents of hate only strengthen our resolve, only deepen our determination that Americans come together stand together. and work together against violence, intolerance, and hatred. In these efforts, we all must assume responsibility: at home and at school, in Hollywood and the heartland, and here in Washington. Parents play an especially crucial role. No influence on a child is more important. I am pleased that Secretary Riley and Attorney General Reno will focus this national conversation on the concerns - and responsibilities - of parents. You will hear from experts who have some good and helpful ideas. But I know that they, like the rest of us, are eager to hear from all of you who already make a difference in young lives, each and every day. I believe that with your ideas, and your hard work, America will meet this challenge. I believe we will make this the safest big nation in the world. I believe we will put an end to the culture of violence - and build in its place a culture of values we will be proud to pass along to our children. Thank you. Revised Draft 08/12/99 1:00pm Jeff Shesol PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON VIDEOTAPED REMARKS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S "SAFE SCHOOLS, SAFE STUDENTS: WHAT PARENTS CAN DO" TELECONFERENCE August 12, 1999 Hello and welcome to the many parents, students, educators, and community leaders meeting in schools across our nation. I want to thank you for taking part in this vital discussion about safe schools and safe students. Several months ago, after the tragedy in Littleton, I called on our people to wage a national campaign to keep our schools and children safe. I am pleased that you and so many other Americans, in so many communities, are doing just that. You are stepping up to your responsibility, joining hands in the search for common ground and concrete solutions. The tragic incidents of gun violence in recent months underscore the importance of your efforts. The shooting this week at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles appears to have been motivated by hatred. If so, it is another reason for this nation to rededicate ourselves to our common community and common humanity. And it is another compelling argument for the passage of our hate crimes legislation and common sense gun legislation. Acts of hate against individuals are acts of hate against our values, and against our nation. So let us speak clearly, and with one voice: our nation will not stand for such acts. Incidents of hate only strengthen our resolve, only deepen our determination, that Americans come together. stand together. and work together against violence, intolerance, and hatred. In these efforts, we all must assume responsibility: at home and at school, in Hollywood and the heartland, and here in Washington. Parents play an especially crucial role. No influence on a child is more important. I am pleased that Secretary Riley and Attorney General Reno will focus this national conversation on the concerns - and responsibilities - of parents. You will hear from experts who have some good and helpful ideas. But I know that they, like the rest of us, are eager to hear from all of you who already make a difference in young lives, each and every day. I believe that with your ideas, and your hard work, America will meet this challenge. I believe we will make this the safest big nation in the world. I believe we will put an end to the culture of violence - and build in its place a culture of values we will be proud to pass along to our children. Thank you. Draft 08/11/99 9:30pm Jeff Shesol PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON VIDEOTAPED REMARKS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S "SAFE SCHOOLS, SAFE STUDENTS: WHAT PARENTS CAN DO" TELECONFERENCE August 12, 1999 Hello and welcome to the many parents, students, and educators meeting in schools across our nation. (Thank you for taking part in this vital discussion about safe schools and safe students. abount to Our schools are among the safest places for our children to be; and a new national study keep? shows that youth violence is declining. Still, the gun violence of this past year is a sober reminder: for all our progress, there is more we must do to protect our children. The shooting severed this week at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles only increases the urgency that instances Americans come together. stand together. and work together against violence and hatred. Everyone has responsibility - and congress respons do everything we can to make Several months ago, after the tragedy in Littleton, I\called on our people to wage a whis hafe, national campaign to keep our schools and children safe. I am pleased that so many Americans, common in so many communities, are doing just that. You are stepping up to your responsibility, joining sense leg. gun hands in the search for common ground and concrete solutions. In that effort, parents play an essential role. There is no influence on a child that is more important. I am pleased that Secretary Riley and Attorney General Reno will focus this national conversation on the concerns - and responsibilities - of parents. You will hear from experts who have some good and helpful ideas. But I know that they, like the rest of us, are eager to hear from all of you who already make a difference in young lives, each and every day. I believe that with your ideas, and your hard work, America will meet this challenge. I believe we will make this the safest big nation in the world. I believe we will put an end to the culture of violence - and build in its place a culture of values we will be proud to pass along to our children. Thank you. Willer An a nation, cant tolerate ALL weie learning, tone even step tolerate all that's being intolerance said - [relying This nation will 100 stand for these acts of hate. on media Disturbing pattern ef what weie reading is true Numerous incidents (Trend and now this several instances which appeaisto be motivated by hate - THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON quic: use words "hatred" but no hate crimes the whole point, really, is al what he sayo is less important not much policy coming Commend for getting Together thinking of soins; standing against nate esp. urgening in wake of incidents I 08/11/99 WED 16:39 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 001 The White House OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS Date: 8/11 To: Josh Gotthermer Fax: 62505 From: SEAN P. O'SHEA SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE CABINET SECRETARY Pages: 11 (Including this cover sheet) Comments: Moringo on Teleconference OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING * ROOM 160 + WASHINGTON, DC 20502 TELEPHONE (202) 456-2572 + FACSIMILE (202) 456-6704 08/11/99 WED 16:40 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 002 08/11/99 16:06 GOALS 2000 -> 94562525 NO. 118 P002/011 Draft Script President Clinton's Videotaped Remarks for "Safe Schools, Safe Students: What Parents Can Do" Scheduled for Broadcast August 12, 1999 Good evening. I want to welcome all the parents, students, teachers, and school officials taking part in tonight's special conversation about safe schools. As everyone knows, last year was a painful time for our schools and for our nation. Mrs. Clinton and I were deeply saddened by the tragic shootings Littleton, Colorado, and Conyers, Georgia, just as we were saddened about the other, less-publicized acts of school violence that claimed the lives of students and disrupted classrooms and communities across the United States. safest We know that - almost always schools are still the safest places for young people to be, place to be and a national study released just this month shows that juvenile violence has decreased significantly in the 1990's, But the tragedies of the past year remind us that, regrettably, there is still the potential for the violence in any school. Youth violence can and does happen, even where we least expect it. We all need to be aware of the possibility and be vigilant about the early warning signs of troubled young people. This Administration has done a number of things to try and help by introducing a zero Accomps tolerance policy for guns on school property, putting community police officers in school where needed, supporting afterschool and mentoring programs, and by supporting school uniforms and conflict resolution programs, among other things. 08/11/99 WED 16:40 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 003 08/11/99 16:06 GOALS 2000 -> 94562525 NO. 118 P003/011 But government can't do it all. The job of keeping young people safe begins in homes and communities. That's why I'm so pleased that Education Secretary Dick Riley and Attorney General Janet Reno are convening tonight's program especially for parents. Tonight we're going to be listening to parents, learn about your concerns, learn about what works in schools and communties to keep all of our children safe. We're also going to hear from some people - educators, religious leaders, health professionals - who can give US sound advice about what to look for in your child's school, what questions to ask your principal. And we'll hear some good advice about reaching out to our children listening to them, connecting with them and valuing them. Being a parent today is hard work. Tonight we hope you will learn 8 few more ideas and questions about what you can do to keep your children safe. Thank you for joining us. 08/11/99 WED 16:40 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 004 08/11/99 16:06 GOALS 2000 94562525 EXPULSIONS us NO. 118 P004/011 FOR RELEASE last yv. we toused August 10, 1999 high# as an accomp. Contact: Melinda Kitchell Malico (202) 401-1008 EXPULSIONS OF STUDENTS WHO BROUGHT GUNS TO SCHOOL DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY In U.S. public K-12 schools, 3,930 students were expelled for bringing a firearm TO school in school year 1997-98, the U.S. Department of Education reported today. The number is down 31 percent from the previous year's reported figure of 5,724. The new findings are published in the Report of State Implementation of the Gun-Free Schools Act- School Year 1997-98; Final Report 1999. "The Gun-Free Schools Act aims to tighten up school safety by making sure that students understand that there are serious consequences if they bring a gun to school," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley. "We cannot compromise the safety of the millions of students who do obey the rules - by allowing those who don't to remain in the same classrooms. Strong consequences for unacceptable behavior can and do make a difference. "This new and promising data, coupled with last week's findings from the Centers for Disease Control, shows that fewer young people are carrying guns or taking them into schools. This is good news coupled with the fact that the overall rate of school violence is down. But communities need to continue to use comprehensive approaches to keeping schools, students and educators safe. And they need to focus on critical school reform issues such as smaller class size, smaller schools, modern classrooms, well-trained teachers and challenging standards." The Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 requires states to pass laws requiring school districts to expel any student who brings a firearm to school. All states have passed such laws and this report is the second state-by-state look at implementation of the federal law. The overwhelming majority of the expulsions - 62 percent were for handguns brought to school. Seven percent were for rifles or shotguns, and 31 percent were for some other type of firearm; including bombs, grenades or starter pistols. Fifty states and two territories reported this data by state. Guns prompted expulsions in all school levels. Most expulsions, 57 percent, were in high schools, 33 percent were in junior highs and 10 percent were in elementary schools. These data were reported by school level in 50 states and three territories. The department has published an Annual Report on School Safety and on Early Warning Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools to help states and communities head off school violence through comprehensive prevention and intervention programs. Riley also noted that schools must continue to address the needs of troubled students: "After removing violators from schools, educators must do everything possible to help expelled students reach the high standards that are expected of all students. A student who gets expolled for bringing a Bun to school http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/08-1999/expulsion.html 8/11/99 005 08/11/99 WED 16:41 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 08/11/99 16:06 GOALS 2000 94562525 NO. 118 P005/011 should not be left to just hang out on the street. To help young people get their lives back on track, communities should work towards offering counseling and alternative learning opportunities." The Educational Excellence for All Children Act of 1999, President Clinton's proposal to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), asks school districts to develop equitable discipline policies and hold schools accountable for their policies. If a student is expelled, states should assure that schools provide for appropriate supervision, counseling and educational services to help students reach high standards, the administration proposed in the legislation. States must submit annual reports on the number of students expelled by firearm type and school level; the number of expulsions that were modified on a case-by-case basis; how many of those cases were not for students with disabilities; and the number of expelled students who were referred to an alternative school or program. The report includes/state-by-state data for these categories; however, not all states and territories submitted data for each category. Other findings from the report include: 44 percent of expulsions were shortened to less than one year, with 49 states and territories reporting this data. The law permits flexibility by allowing school districts to modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis; 48 states reported on the disability status of the students who received shortened expulsions, revealing that 62 percent of these students were not considered disabled; and, 48 states reported that 43 percent of the expelled students were referred for an alternative placement. The findings contained in the report should be interpreted with caution, as some states submitted data on all weapons, not just firearms, while others submitted aggregate data not broken out by school level and/or type of weapon. Data collection is improving since implementation of the law, but the quality of data on expulsions varies widely state-to-state. Following corrected data submissions by states, the previously reported total figure for expulsions in 1996-97 was adjusted from 6,093 to 5724. The Gun-Free Schools Act is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended in 1994. States and districts jeopardize lass of all ESEA funds if they do not enforce complementary state laws. The report will be available by calling 1-877-4ED-PUBS or through the department's web site at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/news.html ### http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/08-1999/expulsion.htm 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:41 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 006 08/11/99 16:07 GOALS 2000 94562525 what is the Department 01 Education uping to NO. 118 P006/011 STATE OF What is the Department of Education doing to help Americans keep schools and communities safe? Safe and Drug-Free Schools National Programs Funding to support the National Resource Center for Safe Schools. This center, funded in collaboration with Department of Justice (DOJ), has been established to offer training and technical assistance that will enable schools and communities toicreate safe school environments; Continuation awards for grants to improve the effectiveness of prevention programming for youth; A grant to support the Partnerships for Preventing Violence Satellite Training Telecasts. This six-part series, coordinated with the DOJ and Health and Human Services (HHS), takes a cross-disciplinary approach to the complex problem of violence in our schools and communities; A grant to support the National Center for Conflict Resolution Education (NCCRE). Funded in collaboration with DOJ, NCCRE provides training and technical assistance nationwide to advance the development of conflict resolution education programs in schools, Juvenile justice settings, and youth service organizations and community partnership programs; Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence). The primary objective of SERV is to help school districts and communities cope with the consequences of major crises through training and TA, identifying best practices, and improving coordination at the Federal, state, and local levels. The Federal role in responding to crises will involve direct funding to school districts and providing schools with a trained Federal project officer to help coordinate the emergency response. Funding Opportunities Middle School Coordinator Initiative The Middle School Coordinator Initiative will allow school districts to hire and train school safety coordinators to improve the quality of drug and violonce prevention programming in middle schools. A http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/edresp.html 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:41 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 007 08/11/99 16:07 GOALS 2000 94562525 what 19 the Department OF MUME NO. 118 P007/011 recent Department study concluded that in order to be well implemented and make an impact on students, prevention programs must have available a prevention coordinator at least half-time, if not full-time. By providing these coordinators in middle schools, this initiative will support early intervention efforts that can make a long-term impact on reducing youth drug use and creating safer schools. The Department will award $35 million in funds for this initiative through a national grant competition, and will support coordinators to help plan, design, implement, and evaluate successful drug and violence prevention programs for approximately 1/3 of all middle schools in the country. Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative The Departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services are collaborating to assist schools and communities to enhance and implement comprehensive community-wide strategies for creating safe and drug-free schools and promoting healthy childhood development. To be eligible for funding, applicants must demonstrate evidence of a comprehensive community-wide strategy that has been developed by a community partnership and at minimum consists of six general topic areas: (1) school safety, (2) drug and violence prevention and early intervention programs, (3) school and community mental health prevention and intervention services, (4) early childhood psychosocial and emotional development programs, (5) education reform, and (6) safe school policies. $180 million will be awarded in the first year through a single application process. Three-year awards will be made to approximately 50 sites, ranging from up to $3 million per year for urban school districts, up to $2 million per year for suburban school districts, and up to $1 million per year for rural school districts and tribal schools designated as local education agencies by their states. Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program State and Local Grants The Department will allocate $441 million in State formula grant funds to support drug and violence prevention programs in virtually every school district and community in the Nation. http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/edresp.hm 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:42 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 008 08/11/99 16:07 GOALS 2000 + 94562525 what IS the Department 01 concation using NO. 118 P008/011 Providing After School Opportunities The 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program awards grants to rural and inner-city public schools to enable them to plan, implement, or expand projects that benefit the educational, health, social services, cultural and recreational needs of the community. The FY:1999 budget includes a $200 million expansion, which will provide safe and educational after school opportunities for up to 500,000 children. This increase will give more school~ age children in rural and urban communities across the country positive learning opportunities and keep more kids off the streets in the after school hours when most violent juvenite crime occurs. Encouraging Schools to Adopt School Uniform Policies School uniforms have been found to be a promising strategy to reduce violence while promoting discipline and respect in school. The Department has encouraged schools to consider adopting school uniform policies by sharing with every school district a school uniform manual prepared by the Department in consultation with local communities and DOJ. Combating Truancy Truancy prevention initiatives have been shown to keep more children in school and dramatically reduce daytime crime. The Department issued a manual to every school district nationwide outlining the central characteristics of a comprehensive truancy prevention policy and highlighting model initiatives in cities and towns across the country. Encouraging Conflict Resolution The Department and DOJ have developed and distributed 40,000 conflict resolution guides to schools and community organizations, providing guidance on how to develop effective conflict resolution programs. Enforcing Zero Tolerance for Guns and Other Weapons in Schools In October 1994, President Clinton signed into law the http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/edresp.html 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:42 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 009 08/11/99 16:07 GOALS 2000 + 94562525 What IS the Department or coucation uomg NO. 118 P009/011 Gun-Free Schools Act, and issued a Presidential Directive later that month to enforce "zero tolerance" for guns in schools - if a student brings a gun to school, that student will be expelled for a year. Since the policy's enactment, preliminary estimates show that approximately 6,000 students have been expelled for bringing weapons to schools, and the vast majority of those expulsions involved guns. Publications Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools (August 1998) Provides information on early and imminent warning signs for troubled children, and principles to ensure that signs are not misinterprated. Provides suggestions for developing violence prevention and crisis response plans. Also describes what to do when intervening during a crisis to ensure safety and how to respond in the aftermath of a tragedy. Provides action steps for educators, students, and parents to help create safe schools. 1998 Annual Report on School Safety (October 1998) Presents a description on the nature and scape of school violence. Describes steps that communities can take to develop a comprehensive school safety plan. Also highlights what schools, students, parents, police, businesses, and elected officials can do to create safe learning environments. Highlights specific schools and communities doing an exemplary job to create and maintain safe school environments. Lists resources for additional information on school safety and crime prevention issues. Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities (October 1998) Provides actions steps for schools, teachers, students, and parents to stop bullying in schools. Highlights effective bullying prevention programs and provides resources for further information. Preventing Youth Hate Crime: A Manual for Schools and Communities (December 1997) http://www.ed.gov/ofices/OESE/SDFS/edresp.html 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:42 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 010 08/11/99 16:08 GOALS 2000 => 94562525 what IS the Department 01 Coucamon NO. 118 P010/011 Provides actions steps for schools, teachers, students and parents to confront and eliminate hate-motivated behavior among young people. Highlights effective hate crime prevention programs and provides resources for further information. MTV Conflict Resolution The Fight for Your Rights: Take a Stand Against Violence CD/Action Guide consists of music and recorded comments on the subject of violence from best-selling rock, rap, and pop performing artists. It also features educational CD-ROM content created by the National Center for Conflict Resolution Education in conjunction with the US Department of Justice (DOJ). One million copies of the CD/Action Guide will be manufactured. They will be distributed free of charge to young people over the next nine months via a toll-free number operated by the DOJ and promoted on MTV. Program Evaluation: What Works? Expert Panel The Expert Panel, comprised of prominent scholars and researchers, will review programs designed to address youth substance use and violence prevention. The panel will evaluate programs submitted for review and make recommendations to the Secretary of Education who will announce the program that have been designated as exemplary or promising. Applications for the Expert Panel are due on May 28, 1999. Final designations will be made by August 31, 1999. Recognition Program Identifies and honors schools that have implemented programs of demonstrated effectiveness in reducing student drug use, reducing violent behavior, and creating safe and orderly environments for learning. ### I eturn to Keeping Schools and Communities Safe ) PREV http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESB/SDFS/edresp.html 8/11/99 08/11/99 WED 16:43 FAX CABINET AFFAIRS 011 08/11/99 16:08 GOALS 2000 -> 94562525 what IS the Department or Education doing LO nelp RECP - - NO.118 P011/011 E Safe & Drug-free Schools Home Page Last Updated - April 30, 1999 (pjk) http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/edresp.htmil 8/11/99 THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release August 10, 1999 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON SHOOTING IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA The South Lawn 6:14 P.M: EDT THE PRESIDENT: Before I leave tonight, I wanted to say just a word about the shootings at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles. Once again our nation has been shaken and our hearts torn by an act of gun violence. To the victims and their families, like all Americans, I offer our thoughts and prayers. I have been briefed on the situation on the ground. The federal government has offered all appropriate assistance to the local law enforcement officials who are working on this case. I wish I could say more conclusive now; we don't know much more than has been reported. I want you to know that I intend to continue to monitor the situation very closely tonight and tomorrow. But, again, I say this is another senseless act of gun violence -- a lot of shells were found on the scene. It calls on all of us not only to give our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, but to intensify our resolve to make America a safer place. Thank you very much. END 6:16 P.M. EDT Draft 08/11/99 12:30pm Jeff Shesol INSERT ON SHOOTING AT JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN LOS ANGELES Before I begin, I want to say a few words about the developments in the shooting at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles. This savage act appears to have been motivated by hatred. An act of hate against any individual is an act of hate against our values, and against our nation. So let us speak clearly, and with one voice: our nation will not stand for such acts. Incidents like these only strengthen our resolve, only deepen our determination, that Americans come together stand together. and work together against violence and hatred. Bruce N. Reed 08/12/99 11:59:27 AM Record Type: Record To: See the distribution list at the bottom of this message CC: Subject: reno on hate Reno Pleads for Tolerance By Michael J. Sniffen Associated Press Writer Thursday, August 12, 1999; 11:46 a.m. EDT WASHINGTON (AP) -- Attorney General Janet Reno today deplored ``our culture of violence" and called on the country to act now to combat racial intolerance, bigotry and gun violence. Reno told her weekly news conference that, although the investigation is still under way, the shootings at a Jewish community center in Los Angeles this week appear to have been motivated by hate." A suspect, Buford O. Furrow Jr., 37, told investigators as he surrendered that ``he wanted this to be a wake-up call to America to kill Jews," according to an FBI official, who requested anonymity. Furrow is charged with attempted murder of five people, including three boys, who were shot and wounded at the Jewish center, and with the murder of an Hispanic postal carrier nearby soon afterwards. Hate crimes represent an attack not just on individual victims," Reno said, 'but also on the victims' communities. They tear at the very fabric of a people's life." She called for a response from schools, religious institutions, civic organizations and ``each one of us as individuals." "We must decide now, as a nation, whether we are going to allow our culture of violence to continue on into the next millennium, or whether we are going to start into the new era with a commitment to tolerance and to peaceful resolution of our disputes," Reno said. ``We must act now." We must do more to teach our children tolerance, and make sure that they learn to accept people regardless of their race, religion, nationality or sexual orientation." She called on Congress to enact the administration's proposal to expand federal authority to prosecute hate crimes and its gun control measures to keep dangerous firearms out of the hands of criminals, children and others who should not have them." Furrow also was charged Wednesday with the federal crime of illegal possession of a gun, based on his earlier felony conviction in Washington state. Federal law bars felons from owning guns. For four months since the tragedy in Littleton, Colo., the administration and Congress have debated over how to reform our gun laws," Reno said, citing the deadly attack by two well-armed students on a Colorado high school. Yet we have not been able to pass gun safety measures that even most gun owners support. And anyone can still walk into a gun show and buy a high-powered, dangerous weapon without even having to establish their identity." She called for passage of the Senate version of a juvenile justice bill when Congress returns next month. The Senate bill contains administration-backed provisions to extend background checks to gun buyers at gun shows and adds violent juveniles to those banned for life from owning guns. The administration also has proposed a three-day cooling-off period before a gun can be purchased, that every gun be sold with a triggerlock and criminal penalties for adults who let children get hold of guns and use them for violence. And Reno renewed her appeal for serious study by states and the federal government of the possibility of requiring the licensing of all handguns" so that prospective owners who have to demonstrate they ``know how to safely and lawfully use them." The administration has not formally backed such a proposal though President Clinton has spoken favorably about licensing. Message Sent To: Cheryl D. Mills/WHO/EOP@EOP Jeffrey A. Shesol/WHO/EOP@EOP Douglas B. Sosnik/WHO/EOP@EOP Loretta M. Ucelli/WHO/EOP@EOP Richard Socarides/WHO/EOP@EOP Jennifer M. Palmieri/WHO/EOP@EOP BRUCE - - FOR your APPROVAL. -SHESOL I'm OK if INSERT ON SHOOTING AT Cheryl is. JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN L.A. -BR Before I begin, I want to say a few words about the developments in the shooting at the Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles. This savage act appears to have Acts been motivated by hatred. An act of hate against any- sare individual is an act of hate against our values, and against our nation. So let us speak clearly, and with one voice: our nation will not stand for such acts. Incidents of hate only strengthen our resolve, only deepen our determination, that Americans come together. stand together. and work together against violence, intolerance, and hatred.