WHEREAS
,
According to the FBI, Philadelphia is considered the most violent large city school district in America for the past two years; and
WHEREAS
,
On an average day, there are reportedly twenty-five (25) individuals who are beaten, robbed, or attacked in our public schools; and
WHEREAS
,
During the 2009-2010 school year, the Philadelphia Police Department made 183 arrests dealing with this issue; and
WHEREAS
,
School violence has become a national problem for many large city public schools; and
WHEREAS, Violence increased over 5 percent in neighborhood schools; and
WHEREAS
,
Nine out of every 10 schools in Philadelphia reported a serious incident; and
WHEREAS, School assaults rose five percent from 61 to 66 percent last year; and
WHEREAS
,
The last school year, incidents of violence grew to 4,541 individuals; and
WHEREAS
,
Violence prevents students from learning; and
WHEREAS, And now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council hereby calls for hearings before the City Council Committee on Education to examine the climate of violence in our City schools and to discuss ways it can be reduced.
End