CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS, EDUCATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS VOICE CONCERN, URGE WHITE HOUSE NOT TO ADOPT ANY INITIATIVES PLACING MORE ARMED POLICE IN SCHOOLS

PRESS CALL ADVISORY

 Contact: Jennifer Farmer, 202.728.9557 ext. 341, or jfarmer@advancementproject.org

 Press Call Friday, January 11, 2013 at 11 am EST

 Washington, DC – A coalition of civil rights organizations, law enforcement leaders and educators coordinated by Advancement Project are raising concerns about calls for more police in schools as the Vice President’s task force on gun violence develops its policy recommendations in response to the Newtown tragedy. Several of the groups participated in advisory meetings with the task force.

 A comprehensive policy is expected to be announced by President Obama next week. While there has been no official recommendation on funding more police in schools, there is speculation that there could be as members of Congress have made similar proposals and a number of school districts around the country have already indicated plans to add armed security, an approach initially advocated by the National Rifle Association.  

 The coalition will release a White Paper on the problems already being experienced by stationing police in schools and offer alternative recommendations 

WHO:          Advancement Project, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, former head of NYC school security and education officials

WHAT:       Media Conference Call

WHEN:        Friday, January 11 at 11:00 am EST

Dial-in:       877-209-9922

RSVP:          Jennifer Farmer, jfarmer@advancementproject.org

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