Etheridge Roundtable Focuses on Improving Security in N.C. Schools

RALEIGH, N.C. -- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) hosted "School Security: Preparing Today, Protecting Tomorrow," a roundtable discussion on the status of school security in North Carolina with state and local government officials, first responders, educators, parents and students Monday. Etheridge, the only N.C. member of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, convened the roundtable to receive local input on what Congress can do to improve the security of local schools.

The roundtable was held almost one year after a school in Beslan, Russia, was held hostage by terrorists. Etheridge is currently working to pass legislation in Congress to allow schools to apply for Department of Homeland Security grants to prevent, prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks. These plans could also be used for natural disasters, school violence and other emergencies.

Etheridge reminded roundtable participants that on September 11th, 2001, there were seven schools within six blocks from the World Trade Center. The National Response Plan and the North Carolina State Homeland Security Strategy do not mention the importance of protecting schools and including education officials in disaster prevention, planning and response.

"Children are our most precious resource and their protection and safety should be a top priority in our nation's homeland security plan. Homeland security is hometown security and the safety of our schools should have the full backing and support of the federal government," said Etheridge.

Speaker Jay Chaudry from the N.C. Attorney General's Office provided the state perspective, Chief Deputy Cyler Wyndham from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department provided the local perspective, and Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School Principal Beluah Wright provided the school perspective. Following the speakers there was a discussion session in which participants offered Etheridge potential Congressional solutions, including:

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