Reducing school violence is a national imperative. Yet, too often, violence at school and at related events only prompts sensationalized news coverage and intractable arguments. What is needed are new ideas, informed conversations and a readiness to break through the rhetorical stalemate toward a new understanding of school safety.

To advance productive efforts, on October 24, 2018, the University of Southern California (USC) is presenting the National Safe Schools Digital Summit. This event is being offered exclusively online on the USC Summit website. It is free to view, and no advance registration is required.

The summit will consist of three panel discussions:

Panel 1 – Students are the Nation’s Greatest Asset: Those most affected by school violence—students—are often left out of school safety conversations. A panel of students from schools affected by violence will share critical insights into their school experience, their concerns, and the role they can play in supporting a safer school environment. (Moderator: Denzel Whitaker. Panelists: Kristina Anderson, Jake Glacer, Amandeep Kaur and Laraine Perez.)

Panel 2 – Panelists hailing from the security, public safety and public health community will discuss trends in school violence, best practices for creating a more secure campus environment, and the innovative approaches that can enhance school safety. (Moderator: Robert Boyd. Panelists: Maurice Canady, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Dr. Erroll Southers and Chief John Thomas.)

Panel 3 – Panelists from the media industry will explain how decisions are made when covering an instance of school violence and how media reporting can oscillate between valid on-scene fact-gathering and sensationalized coverage.

Visit the Summit website to read more and to watch the live feed on October 24, 2018. The summit begins at 8:30 AM PT, and the first panel starts at 9 AM PT/12 PM ET.