USC National Safe Schools Digital Summit

On October 24, 2018, the University of Southern California presented the inaugural National Safe Schools Digital Summit. The nationally live-streamed event presented three panel discussions, as well as remarks from leaders in school violence prevention. Explore the panels below.

Summit Opening Remarks – The summit began with remarks from USC Price School of Public Policy Dean Jack Knott, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Dean Willow Bay, WLRN News Director Terence Shepherd, and Dr. Erroll Southers, Director of the USC Safe Communities Institute.

Panel 1: Students are the Nation’s Greatest Asset – Students from schools affected by violence shared insights into their experience, their concerns, and the role they can play in supporting a safer school environment.

Panel 2: There is No Profile for School Security – Public safety and public health professionals discussed trends in school violence, best practices for creating a more secure campus environment, and the innovative approaches that can enhance school safety.

Panel 3: When a School Shooting is the Story – Journalists who have covered school violence explained how editorial decisions are made, exploring the considerations and challenges that affect news coverage.

Following the live stream, Los Angeles School Police Department Chief Steve Zipperman offered his takeaways from the Summit.

Dr. Karla M. Rhay, the California Schools Joint Powers Authorities CEO, also provided important Summit takeaways.