[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1008-E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HIGHER EDUCATION TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2000

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, the following message is from Steve 
Nisenfeld, father of Bryan Nisenfeld for whom Bryan's law is named and 
which was incorporated into H.R. 4504.
  The family and friends of Bryan Nisenfeld wish to express their 
extreme gratitude to all the advocates, aides, Congressmen and staffers 
who worked diligently on Bryan's Law. We firmly believe this bill is 
very important. Its passage will provide increased protection for

[[Page E1009]]

missing students who might otherwise be overlooked by the university's 
staff, faculty or security force. In the case of Bryan Nisenfeld, there 
was a breach of security wherein Bryan Nisenfeld went unreported as 
missing by Roger Williams University for six agonizing days though 
administrators at the university were aware of threats made against his 
life.
  University administrators, by their own admission, overlooked the 
threatening phone calls Bryan received prior to his disappearance. This 
response by Roger Williams University denied Bryan's family an 
opportunity to intervene on Bryan's behalf and maybe save his life. At 
the very least, Roger Williams University, by its failure to report 
Bryan missing on a timely basis denied trained professionals time to 
immediately launch a search for him. We know that time is an essential 
ingredient used by law enforcement in locating a person. The actions of 
Roger Williams University officials delayed this important process.
  The Nisenfelds hope that Bryan's Law will prevent other parents from 
experiencing the pain and anguish the Nisenfelds suffered. This law 
requires all universities and colleges implement policies that protect 
missing students. It also provides information to parents and students 
searching for a safe college to attend. The Nisenfelds hope and pray 
the law continues through the legislative channels and wins approval in 
the Senate. Bryan Nisenfeld was a caring, giving individual who rallied 
behind social causes. The Nisenfelds believe passage of this bill 
speaks for Bryan's character. We thank you all. Bryan Nisenfeld's 
memory will forever live on. Thank you all.

                          ____________________