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We Must Use The Law And Education To End School Violence
I am so sorry that you were the victim of school violence, Julie.

I truly respect the decision you made to use your skills to teach our nation's youth, and this incident was indeed a tragedy. I believe that this turn in the culture of many of our nation's youths to crime is a direct result of lost opportunities -- opportunities to fill the hearts and minds of youngsters with goals and ambitions --and to leave no child behind.

As I announced yesterday, I am introducing my " Tools for Parents" kit this week as I campaign. These tools highlight my agenda to reform America's public schools, to restore order and discipline in the classroom, and make schools safe havens for children and teachers alike.

I will restore school safety and discipline by enacting the teacher protection act, which protects teachers against meritless lawsuits when they enforce discipline, and a zero tolerance policy on violence and classroom disruption. I will also prosecute juveniles who carry or use guns and the adults who provide them through "Project Sentry" and allow parents to transfer their children out of persistently dangerous schools to safe schools.

In addition, I am going to take proactive steps to promote character education. My administration will send clear signals, not mixed messages. We will speak for high standards, and hold to them ourselves. One of the biggest problems in our society today is that our children are being forced to grow up too soon. No child should be left behind, and no child should be robbed of his or her childhood. We will pursue practical policies that strengthen the hands of parents in childhood development.