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Indiana Congressman Releases School Safety Report

Indiana Republican Congressman Todd Rokita released a report on school safety on Tuesday. The report details best practices for school administrators and teachers.

This isn’t Rokita’s first school safety report –– past years focused on cyberbullying and opioid crisis.

But this year’s report is about gun violence. It’s based on a November meeting where around 60 school officials and community leaders shared safety practices –– such as schools having an active shooter plan, developing anonymous reporting systems for students, and recognizing threats.

After two school shootings this year, some Indiana lawmakers and Gov. Eric Holcomb say school safety is a priority for the upcoming legislative session. This push has also included a focus on mental health resources in schools. 

In July, more than 350 school districts across the state choose to accept free hand-held metal detectors from the state. 

The release of Rokita’s report coincided with the release of a federal report on school safety that in part encourages schools to partner with local law enforcement. 

Carter Barrett was a reporter for Side Effects Public Media, a Midwest health reporting collaboration based at WFYI. A long-time Hoosier, she is thrilled to stay in her hometown to cover public health. Previously, she covered education for WFYI News with a focus on school safety. Carter graduated with a journalism degree from Indiana University, and previously interned with stations in Bloomington, Indiana and Juneau, Alaska.
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