Posted: | September 17, 2019 05:32 PM |
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From: | Representative Stephen Kinsey and Rep. James B. Struzzi, II, Rep. Dan K. Williams |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Hazard Situation Training at Universities |
Our state-owned and state-related universities face many challenges when confronting the issue of safety on campus. In fact, since the beginning of the century, shootings at college campuses have more than doubled, according to a study of 190 shooting incidents from the 2001-2002 school year through the 2015-2016 school year. In addition, our college campuses face other potential threats as well, such as natural disasters. We believe we must do more to prepare and protect university students and staff from all potential hazard situations. That is why we are introducing legislation to require annual hazard situation training at state-owned and state-related universities. Because campuses can be large and geographically distributed and face different threats, these universities would have the flexibility to tailor the training to their particular needs. Our universities would have the option of either conducting physical drills, or require students to watch a video explaining how they will be notified of a hazard situation and how they should react. Universities could easily and inexpensively produce a video lasting just a few minutes, and send it to all students and staff at the beginning of a school year. These efforts could save lives and contain the damage caused by a hazard situation. As we work toward a future in which our college campuses are safe for all, please join us in giving university students and staff one more tool to stay safe in case their campus is faced with a hazard situation. Your consideration and co-sponsorship are appreciated. |