President Trump says he’s taking immediate action to make schools safer. Yesterday the White House released a “factsheet” of security proposals. The factsheet calls for immediate action in four key areas to help keep students safe from school violence.

Harden the Schools

Trump will help states by providing training for qualified school employees. The Department of Justice will team up with local law officials to offer voluntary firearms training. Trump also wants to see veterans and retired cops go into education careers. He will support their transition process.

He also calls on  states to audit school districts to ensure they comply with state “emergency preparedness” plans.

States and local officials  are encouraged to launch public awareness campaigns based on “See Something, Say Something.” It will encourage people to keep an eye out for and report suspicious behavior. 

Strengthen Background Checks and Prevention

Trump wants to shore up background checks and police operations. He’s pushing states to adopt “Extreme Risk Protection Orders” (ERPOs). The ERPOs will allow police to take guns away from people who “have demonstrated” they are a threat to themselves or others. It would also temporarily prevent them from buying guns.

The president backs the Cornyn-Murphy bill. The bill will help “improve the accuracy and effectiveness” of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It will hold federal agencies more accountable for reporting to the NICS and provide incentives to states to report to the system. 

The president also supports the “STOP School Violence Act” legislation. The Act provides grants to states to use for training, equipment and assistance to help schools recognize and prevent violence. The grants may be provided as early as this year. 

The administration will promote the FBI’s tip line and audit the service to improve accountability. The DOJ will provide emergency and crisis training for local law enforcement. 

Reform Mental Health Care

Trump wants to expand and reform mental health programs. One aspect is doctors and family services working more closely. Trump is also calling for supporting programs that use court-ordered treatment. He wants a review of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). He also wants a review of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), among other privacy protections. Trump wants to see if any changes are needed to improve team work between doctors, schools and police.

Investigate

Trump will create a federal commission to “address school safety and the culture of violence.” Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will head up the group. It will develop a process to study and provide guidance on school safety. It will provide guidance in areas like age restrictions on certain gun purchases and the effects of press coverage of mass shootings