Gillibrand Passes Suzanne Lyall Campus Safety Act

Statement

Gillibrand Passes Suzanne Lyall Campus Safety Act

Gillibrand amendment improves campus security and facilitates the investigation of violent crimes

Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand introduced and passed an amendment on the floor of the House of Representatives that will improve security on college campuses by requiring schools to have an agreement in place concerning the working relationship of campus security personnel with State and local law enforcement agencies for the investigation of felonies or a report of a missing student. Governor Pataki signed a similar measure into State law in 1999. "Every student has the right to pursue their studies in a safe environment, and every parent the right to know that their children are going to be protected from violent crimes when they send them off to college. We can never, with 100 percent surety, guarantee the safety of every student on every campus, but we can guarantee to do everything in our power to have laws and procedures in place to protect our students as much as possible. Congresswoman Gillibrand's amendment will help protect more students on college campuses," Doug and Mary Lyall said. The amendment was to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act [H.R. 4137], legislation that reauthorizes the Higher Education Act, which outlines the federal government's funding commitment for postsecondary institutions. The previous Congressman from New York's Twentieth Congressional District, John Sweeney, had introduced the bill in the two previous Congressional sessions. With the passage of Gillibrand's amendment, it is expected that the bill will survive a conference committee and will be ultimately be signed into law by the President.

Below is the text of Representative Gillibrand's speech as prepared for delivery: "Our country's number one priority is to protect our children from harm so that they can grow up and fulfill their God-given potential. A parent's worst fear is to send their child off to college and to have them become a victim of a violent crime. Tragically, this happens far too often. The ten year span from 1997 to 2006 registered an average of 20 homicides every year occurring on college campuses. Furthermore, numerous college students - the majority of them young women - have gone missing, leaving their family, friends and community searching for years in hopes of solving their case. "Mr. Chairman, this issue has significantly affected the community that I represent. On March 2, 1998, Suzanne Lyall, a 19 year old sophomore at SUNY Albany, was kidnapped and never seen again. Nearly 10 years later, her case remains unsolved. "My amendment is intended to prevent more parents from experiencing the pain that Suzanne's parents, Doug and Mary, must face every day. The amendment that I am offering would ensure that all institutions of higher education have a standing policy outlining the roles and responsibilities for campus, local and state law enforcement agencies if a violent crime happens to occur on campus. "This simple amendment will minimize confusion and delays during the initial investigation of a violent felony. The first few hours and days after a crime is committed are the most critical for solving the case, and questions involving police jurisdiction should be settled before a crime occurs, not after. My amendment will help facilitate the prompt and efficient investigation of serious crimes. In addition, the amendment's provisions have already been signed into law in California, South Carolina, Tennessee and my home state of New York. "Horrific crimes are rare at small schools, and over 60% of postsecondary schools have fewer than 2,500 students. Many small schools do not have a full police force and the school's security force may not be sufficiently trained to handle complex investigations. This amendment will give peace of mind to parents by giving them the knowledge that the best investigative procedures will be followed in case their child is the victim of a crime." **** "I also would like to add that bringing attention to the issue of campus safety has been a priority of mine since I entered the Congress. Last year, I introduced - and the House passed - H. Res 303, which called on the President to declare April 6th, which is Suzanne Lyall's birthday, National Missing Persons Day. This day will allow all Americans to honor those who remain missing, and to remember their families and loved ones who hope and pray everyday for their safe return. "April 6th is approaching, and I join with Suzanne's parents in strongly advocating for the creation of this national day of remembrance. "The amendment that I offer today will hopefully prevent future school tragedies from happening. I urge all my Colleagues to join me in honoring Suzanne by voting ‘yes'."

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