NC State Representative Rick Glazier joined PAX/Real Solutions to Gun Violence, North Carolina State Superintendent Dr. June St. Clair Atkinson, and Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Till Friday, January 29, 11:00 at CC Schools central Services, for the launch of the SPEAK UP Campaign in Cumberland County

This two-year initiative, funded by the ESA Foundation, will provide an innovative means of keeping young people in Cumberland County safe from weapon-related violence in and outside of school.

In the 2009-2010 Session General Assembly, Rep. Glazier was a key sponsor of the School Violence Prevention Act, which provides clear guidance to teachers, administration and staff on violence prevention policies and procedure and mandates protection for all students regardless of their real or perceived differences. The measure was enacted into law

“The School Violence Prevention Act was about protecting our children when they are in school, said Rep. Glazier.  And, the SPEAK UP campaign helps to do the same thing for threats of weapon-related violence. We may never be able to walk a mile in a vulnerable child’s shoes, but we can make his or her walk easier. It seems to me that it the quintessential job of a legislator, is to make daily life easier, particularly for those students whose life might otherwise be filled with violence, hatred, and harassment”.

Research shows that students often know about weapon threats before they occur, but may not tell others because of social pressure or fear of physical retaliation.  The SPEAK UP Campaign empowers young people to report threats of weapon-related violence, either by talking to a trusted adult or by anonymously calling or texting the SPEAK UP weapon threats hotline.

The SPEAK UP campaign was created in 2002 by PAX, a non-profit organization working to prevent gun violence among children and families. The centerpiece of the campaign is the anonymous SPEAK UP hotline, which Cumberland County students can call or text to report weapon threats 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since its inception in 2002, 1-866-SPEAK-UP has received over 35,000 calls nationwide.  The SPEAK UP Campaign also features a mass media campaign including outdoor advertising and television and radio public service announcements.

For more information about PAX/Real Solutions to Gun Violence and Speak Up!, click here.

For news coverage of this event, click here.