October 16-22, 2022: Safe Schools Week

WHEREAS, every student deserves to feel safe in school so they can stay focused on learning and pursue their potential; and,

WHEREAS, the National School Safety Center first established America’s Safe Schools Week in 1984 to recognize the important progress in school districts across the county to ensure schools are safe, secure, and productive and also encourage further action; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is deeply committed to safe schools, providing both ongoing support and new investments that are critical to ensuring every parent, teacher, staff member, and student feels safe and supported at school; and,

WHEREAS, in the last year alone, Michigan has made record, bipartisan investments in school safety and mental health, including—for the first time ever—dedicated, per-student resources specifically for campus safety and mental health; and,

WHEREAS, school districts can use these student safety funds to hire more mental health professionals, secure buildings, and create an intervention system for students who are at-risk; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan State Police Office of School Safety, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, is committed to helping schools reduce threats, build trust, and improve the quality of life for K-12 students in Michigan, including through the OK2SAY program allowing students to confidentially report tips of potential harm; and,

WHEREAS, during this week, we join with parents, students, school employees, administrators, and school board members, as well as leaders in law enforcement, business, and health care, to recognize the progress we have made together, recommit ourselves to school safety, and promote efforts to provide all Michigan schools with positive and safe learning environments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 16-22, 2022, as Safe Schools Week in Michigan.