[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S812]]
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     RECOGNITION OF HARRY CLEMMONS

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, today I recognize Harry Clemmons, 
Kennewick School District's middle school director, for his leadership 
in fighting school violence.
  Last January, I organized a meeting of over 200 parents, teachers, 
administrators, and students. At this conference I listened carefully 
to the concerns and ideas of those in attendance. While I heard many 
varied and different suggestions, one theme was constant. Innovative 
and resourceful programs which educators work hard to plan and execute 
deserve more recognition. I therefore promised to recognize, on a 
monthly basis, a school or school program that is outstanding and 
innovative. The school violence prevention programs that Harry Clemmons 
has successfully implemented are worthy of such recognition.
  It is time we took the steps necessary to regain control of our 
Nation's schools. In Washington State, for example, violent crimes by 
youths have doubled in number in the past decade, despite a 3-percent 
reduction in the youth population. Our superintendent of public 
instruction recently released her annual report of weapons in 
Washington State schools for the 1992-93 school year. A total of 2,237 
incidents of possession of firearms or dangerous weapons on school 
premises were reported by school districts and approved private 
schools.
  The prevalence of such incidents is constantly increasing, as is the 
variation and types of weapons. We must address this problem now. We 
must ensure the safety of our children in school and provide a learning 
environment free of violence and disruption.
  Mr. Harry Clemmons and his innovative prevention programs should 
continue to be promoted throughout Washington State, as well as the 
entire United States. Recognizing that a problem exists and taking the 
initiative to develop successful programs is the key to improving our 
education system.


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