[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 32 (Monday, August 16, 1999)]
[Pages 1627-1628]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Videotape Remarks to the ``Safe Schools, Safe Students: What Parents Can 
Do'' Teleconference

August 12, 1999

    Hello and welcome to the many parents, students, educators, and 
community leaders meeting in schools all across our Nation tonight. I 
want to thank you for taking part in this vital discussion about safe 
schools and safe students.
    Several months ago, after the tragedy in Littleton, I called on the 
American people to wage a national campaign to keep our schools and our 
children safe. I am pleased that you and so many other Americans in so 
many communities are doing just that, stepping up to your 
responsibility, joining hands in the search for common ground and 
concrete solutions.
    The tragic incidents of gun violence in recent months underscore the 
importance of your efforts. The shooting just this week at the Jewish 
community center in Los Angeles,

[[Page 1628]]

like the recent shootings in Illinois and Indiana, appears to have been 
motivated by racial and ethnic hatred. If so, it's just another reason 
for us to rededicate ourselves to our common community and our common 
humanity and another compelling argument for the passage of hate crimes 
legislation and commonsense gun laws.
    Acts of hate against individuals are acts of hate against our values 
and our entire Nation. So let us all speak clearly and with one voice: 
Our Nation will not stand for such acts. Acts of hate must strengthen 
our resolve and deepen our determination that Americans will come 
together and stand together and work together against violence, 
intolerance, and hatred.
    In all these efforts, we must all first assume responsibility: at 
home and at school, in Hollywood and the heartland, and here in 
Washington. Parents play an especially crucial role, for no influence on 
a child is more important. I am very pleased that Secretary Riley and 
Attorney General Reno will focus this national conversation on the 
concerns and responsibilities of parents. You'll hear from experts who 
have some good and helpful ideas. But I know they, like the rest of us, 
are eager to hear from all of you who already are making a difference in 
young lives every day.
    In spite of the tragedies of the last few weeks, the crime rate in 
America is at a 26-year low. Though it's still far too high, this shows 
that we can make progress. With your ideas and your hard work, America 
can meet this challenge. Together, we can make America the safest big 
nation in the world; we can put an end to the culture of violence and 
build in its place a culture of values we'll all be proud to pass along 
to our children.
    Thank you.

Note: The President's remarks were videotaped at approximately 3:35 p.m. 
in the Cabinet Room at the White House for later transmission to the 
teleconference, which was sponsored by the Department of Education. A 
tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.