American School Violence Demands Moral Courage

On Friday, February 14, 2020, I was privileged to continue years of public safety and leadership presentations throughout the nation, with a program in New Jersey.

This presentation was customized for private security professionals, primarily retired law enforcement officials, who safeguard charter schools in New Jersey.

Today’s program, American School Violence Demands Moral Courage, was held at the Passaic Arts and Science Center Middle School in Passaic, New Jersey.

Due to the intense national discussion on school security, the safety of students in American schools is of paramount concern.

Yet, aside from the demands of being safe havens, schools must also develop students of character and academic excellence.

Program Agenda

The session identified school security concerns, and addressed practical countermeasures to protect schools.

Unlike status quo presentations on school violence that address security vulnerability assessments, physical security, personnel security, procedural security, and cyber-security - all of which are important components of school security - this presentation addressed the brokenness of society, and how the gap often filled through self-destructive choices.

This brokenness was exemplified in the gang culture, the under the influence society, the opioid crisis, toxic relationships, and dysfunctional families.

The presentation also highlighted that character education, as a response to the head on collision of our culture of violence and crisis of leadership, was mission critical to safeguarding communities, and reawakening the dignity of America.

The agenda was as follows:

• SNAPSHOT – CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP
• SNAPSHOT – CRISIS OF VIOLENCE
• U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION / U.S. SECRET SERVICE DOCUMENT REVIEW
• CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS
• PRINCIPLES OF CHARACTER EDUCATION
• CREATING A CULTURE – SECURITY, CHARACTER, ACADEMICS – BUILDING COMMUNITY
• CALL TO ACTION
• PREVENTION EDUCATION: TRANSFORMING THROUGH CHARACTER
• HONORING AMERICAN MILITARY
• CONCLUSION

In addition, all attendees received a complementary collection of my published articles through the courtesy of The Chief of Police Magazine.

Inspire the Heart, Transform the Nation

One aspect of today’s program was the preventive system of education, which I have worked to exemplify and share nationwide throughout my career.

In my opinion, there are essentially two basic forms of education in American schools.

There is the repressive system that makes rules known, watches for transgressions, and is quick to discipline a student by inflicting condescending correction and punishment. The errant zero-tolerance policy in so many schools is an example of a repressive system — rigid, bureaucratic, and impersonal.

The proper approach is the preventive system of education. In this pedagogy, educators are vigilant in a caring manner and offer patient guidance from the heart consistent with kindness, character, and reasonableness. The preventive system of education builds trust and connections with students and the community.

The opposite of a zero-tolerance approach is a measured intervention approach that promotes reasonableness, dignity, and respect.

Simply expressed, the repressive system is dictatorial and may temporarily stop a disorder, but will not inspire students.

Conversely, the preventive system speaks the language of the heart and is transformational.

These are some principles of the preventive system, critical to Reawakening America and deserving implementation in America’s schools:

• Teachers inspire admiration as they care for youth entrusted to their care.
• Teachers are respected as individuals with character, and motivate the same in their students.
• The edifice of the preventive system is character and its pillars, including respect, responsibility, fairness, kindness, and citizenship.
• A vigilant presence is exercised to prevent inappropriate behavior and reward proper behavior.
• Improvements with behavior are motivated through kindness and respect rather than punishment.
• A collaborative and speedy intervention to warning signs takes place due to the educator’s presence and awareness.
• Educators influence through positive attitudes, professionalism, and being approachable.
• Discipline can be as effective as an expression of disappointment, or a reproachful look because the student admires the teacher and loyalty and respect has been earned.
• Students are affirmed for their qualities and do not lose heart when mistakes are made.
• Students are encouraged to do what is right through the teacher’s patience, guidance, and understanding.

Interestingly, this system of education has insights not only for schools, but for leaders of law enforcement, corporations, government, military, and families. It deserves review, reflection, and development.

New Jersey Programs

Aside from presentations throughout the nation, and serving as spokesperson for a coalition of family victims from the Virginia Tech tragedy, it has been my privilege to collaborate with law enforcement and school officials. This has taken place in schools and districts,as well as in county, and state programs throughout New Jersey.

It has also been my privilege to author an extensive collection of published works on violence prevention, public safety, and leadership. These include nearly 300 published works and my two newest books, Listen To Their Cries, and Reawakening America.

My works have also included board certified security vulnerability assessments for school districts, student/staff presentations, character education programs, professional development training, post order / emergency plan development, and keynotes / presentations for the following NJ clients:

*The Southern New Jersey Prosecutor’s School Security Conference
*Bergen County Education Association Conference in partnership with the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and Bergen County Police Chiefs Association
*Saint Peter's College
*New Jersey Education Association
*North Arlington Public Schools
*Hackensack Public Schools
*Hackensack Police Department
*Tenafly Public Schools
*West Milford Public Schools
*Monmouth University
*The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
*Cinnaminson Township Public Schools
*Wood-Ridge Public Schools
*North Arlington Public Schools
*Fort Lee Public Schools
*Morris County Professional Counselors Association
*Fairleigh Dickinson University
*North Bergen Board of Education
*Union City Board of Education
*Rebeka Verea Foundation
*Bergenfield Public Schools
*New Jersey School Boards Association
*New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association
*Morris County Council of Education Associations
*Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute
*New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police
*New Jersey City University
*New Jersey Association of School Administrators
*West New York Board of Education
*Carlstadt Public Schools
*Livingston Police Department
*New Milford Board of Education
*New Jersey Association of School Business Officials
*North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officers Association
*New Jersey Bias Crime Officers Association
*FBI, Newark Field Division
*Jersey City Police Department, East District
*Essex County College Police Academy
*DARE NJ
*River Vale Police Department
*Teaneck Police Department
*Essex County Police Chiefs Association
*Northern Highlands Regional High School

It has also been my distinct honor to serve the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association as liaison for the Community Policing / Violence Prevention Committee for 18 consecutive years. During these years, I have shared monthly remarks to about 100 members of the association including police chiefs from over 70 departments, the FBI, the NYPD and Port Authority Police Department, associates, and affiliates.

Recognition

A special recognition is deserved for Leo P. McGuire, Director of Risk Management for numerous schools in New Jersey, and the former Sheriff of Bergen County. His leadership was evident in his presentation today, and in his partnership with me for a major Bergen County Safe Schools initiative. This program was in collaboration with the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Today's attendees also deserve commendation for their dedication to safeguarding schools, their former law enforcement careers, and their military service, since many served in our armed forces, including one who was a Purple Heart Recipient.

Final Reflection

It was a pleasure to return to Passaic today, and reignite cherished memories of working here in the past as School Principal at a location just a few blocks away.

After the presentation, I took a drive past the school and was reminded me of the privilege of serving as an educator, both in my past roles as teacher, coach, and principal, and now in my present role of safeguarding schools, communities, workplaces, and houses of worship.

Most importantly, it was an honor to serve these fine men and women today, and present them Certificates of Participation.

It is my sincere hope that my words of encouragement and appreciation will benefit them in their sancrosanct duty to protect schools here in New Jersey.

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author of 275 published works on issues critical to America. Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, and is former confident of the New York Yankees. He served as spokesperson for a coalition of victim’s families of the Virginia Tech tragedy. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries.

For more information: vincentbove.com or twitter @vincentjbove

Note Well:

A report on this event was shared with the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA) on Feb. 20, 2020 in Wood-Ridge, NJ. This took place during my remarks to BCPCA members including chiefs, associates and affiliates.

Photos

1. Leo P. McGuire addressing attendees, Feb. 14, 2020. (Vincent J. Bove)
2. PPT opening slide. (Vincent J. Bove)
3. The Chief of Police Magazine cover story on school violence, Spring 2018
4. Arlington Public Schools presentation by Vincent J. Bove, Jan. 6, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)
5. Monmouth University Honor Society students, Monmouth University Keynote by Vincent J. Bove, Mar. 8, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)
6. The Chief of Police Magazine cover story on school violence, Fall 2018
7. Certificates of Participation Draft for Feb. 14, 2020 attendees