Field Hearing on Violence in Our Nation's Schools

Book excerpt: This document presents the text of a hearing on violence in U.S. schools. Opening statements and remarks by Representatives Jose E. Serrano , Nita M. Lowey, and Major R. Owens are presented. Serrano's opening statement notes that the focus of the hearing is on the roots and probable causes of violence; prevention through teaching of alternate methods of conflict resolution; and the federal role in providing the necessary assistance to local school districts in the prevention and reduction of school violence. Statements and/or prepared materials by the following persons are included: (1) Honorable David N. Dinkins, Mayor of the City of New York; (2) Joseph Fernandez, Chancellor, New York City Public Schools, Brooklyn, New York; (3) Fernando Ferrer, Bronx Borough President; (4) Arnold Goldstein, Special Education and Rehabilitation, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York; (5) Frank Melia, Principal, Christopher Columbus High School, Bronx, New York; and (6) Rey Ramos, student, and Rafael Toro, teacher, James Monroe High School, Bronx, New York. (ABL)