August 4, 1999

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.... U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., Tuesday announced that he will cosponsor a day-long symposium  on  safe schools and communities with West Virginia University (WVU).

"Given the most serious nature of the challenge we face, it is important that we bring together a wide range of experts to seek solutions  to school  violence," Byrd stated.

"From representatives of the West Virginia State Police, to parents, students, and the faith community, the symposium participants will focus on efforts already  underway throughout the state to  combat school violence, and what more needs to be done to better protect our teachers and students from classroom violence," Byrd said.

"I hope that this event will give  participants the opportunity to highlight the  progress that has already been made in school safety, while also helping to create a guide for what still needs to be accomplished," Byrd stated.

The event,  "Building Safe Schools and Healthy Communities: The West  Virginia Response," will be held on Saturday, August 21, at the WVU College of Law.  There will be panel discussions on both school- and community-based  prevention strategies to reduce youth violence.  Additionally,  participants will examine those priorities which have yet to be addressed in West Virginia, and what assistance the federal government can provide to local  efforts.

"West Virginia University is privileged to host this  important dialogue for Senator Byrd.  We hope the forum will lift up to others a sampling of our state's significant efforts, as well as  contribute to the federal dialogue on an issue of great importance to our communities,"  WVU President David Hardesty, Jr., said.

"Higher education, too, with our wealth of research, expertise and role  in shaping futures, can strengthen our contribution to the collective discussion, and we applaud Senator  Byrd for giving all of us this opportunity," Hardesty stated.

"By bringing together West Virginia  parents, educators, students, law enforcement officials, policy makers, and a variety of other experts to examine  school- and community-based strategies to reduce youth violence, we, collectively, will bring greater clarity  and wisdom to this troubling issue, both at the state and federal levels," Byrd said.

"As students and  teachers prepare for another school year, we need to reflect on the violence that has taken place  in so many other communities, and look for ways to prevent such violence from occurring in West Virginia schools.  Through this  symposium, it is my hope that we will take the time to find the strength to reach across the  lines that serve to divide us and touch the common spirit that the Creator instilled in each of us.  It is long past time for us to  work together on common ground to achieve common dreams," Byrd stated.