Whereas , Excellence in education is dependent on safe, secure, and peaceful school settings; and,

Whereas , The safety and well-being of many students, teachers, and school staff are threatened by crime and violence, such as the substance abuse, gangs, bullying, and vandalism that takes place in our schools; and,

Whereas , It is the responsibility of all citizens to enhance the learning experiences of young people by helping to ensure fair and effective discipline, promote good citizenship, and generally make school safe and secure; and,

Whereas , All leaders, especially those in education, law enforcement, government, and business to collaborate with each other in focusing public attention on school safety and to identify, develop, and promote innovative solutions to these critical issues; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 19-25, 2008, as Michigan Safe Schools Week, and I encourage the citizens of Michigan to work together to substantially promote efforts to provide our schools with a positive and safe learning environment.