REQUESTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE STRATEGY OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS' PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL PLEDGE AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, a number of tragic incidents have occurred across the United States in recent years involving gun violence in public schools; and

WHEREAS, a day of national concern about young people and gun violence has been held every year for the past four years, and the student pledge against gun violence was held on October 21, 1999; and

WHEREAS, by taking part in a national observance, young people can envision the possibility of reversing the tide of violence and diminishing one of the greatest threats to their health and safety;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state department of public education be requested to work with local school boards to develop a strategy promoting the national student pledge against gun violence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state board of education and the superintendent of public instruction.