Metropolitan Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey today joined D.C. Schools
Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, as well as students, parents, teachers, school support staff, and political and
community leaders, in kicking off the local observance of the
Student Pledge Against Gun Violence . Chief Ramsey helped to lead students at
Dunbar High School, 1301 New Jersey Ave., NW, in reciting a simple, but powerful pledge to reject gun violence.
Students at schools across the District and around the nation are pledging to abide by the following three
statements:
- I will never bring a gun to school
- I will never use a gun to settle a dispute.
- I will use my influence with my friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes.
"While gun violence and school crime have declined in recent years, the tragic shootings in Littleton, Colorado,
Jonesboro, Arkansas, Paducah, Kentucky, and elsewhere remind us that gun violence in our schools remains a
serious problem for our nation and our city," Ramsey said. "The student pledge is a powerful reminder to our
young people, their parents and our communities that we can address this problem through individual responsibility
and collective action. The real test of our efforts here today will be in how they translate into safer schools
and healthier neighborhoods throughout the year," the Chief added.
This year marks the third observance of the Student Pledge by the D.C. Public
Schools . Designed to create awareness about gun violence and promote individual responsibility among young
people, the event received almost 60 percent participation from D.C.P.S. students last year. During the campaign
in the 1998-99 school year, 56,935 students in grades 3-12 signed the pledge.
In addition to supporting the Student Pledge, the District is participating in a drug-free initiative called
the Red Ribbon Campaign. From October 22 through October 29, supporters are asked to wear red ribbons to indicate
their commitment to creating a drug-free community. The Annual National Red Ribbon Campaign kickoff will take place at Prospect Learning Center (Goding Building), 10th
and F Streets, NE, on October 26 at 10:30 a.m. Supporters are asked to wear red ribbons throughout the week.
Both events are sponsored by the D.C. Public Schools’ Student Intervention Services Branch and
are open to the public.