FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, OCTOBER 5, 2001

For More Information, Contact:
Bill Hirschen, Tom Dunn, Chris Carpenter at (518) 474-1201
Internet: http://www.nysed.gov

Regents Chancellor Carl T. Hayden and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills today praised the "quiet heroism" of teachers and school leaders in the face of the September 11 attack on New York and its aftermath.

They also issued guidance on school safety planning for terrorism, respect for differences, and crisis counseling in response to requests from schools across the State.

"There are many people working in the schools who are heroes," Chancellor Hayden said. "Some saved lives, leading their school children up Manhattan to safety. Some rode buses to churches, to other schools, to homes, and did not leave until the children were returned safely to their parents or loved ones."

"The children, their families and everyone else needed stability on the first day and the days that came after," Commissioner Mills said. "They needed calm adults around them. Local schools, colleges, libraries, VESID, and museums provided what they needed. They did it by staying open. To all of them, we need to say a public thank you."

The State’s two top education officials said many schools had asked for advice about updating safety plans, ensuring greater respect for Arab American and Muslim students, and for crisis counseling. "We have talked with literally hundreds of school people who are already planning for the next crisis or facing up to issues of discrimination or working with children who are troubled," they said. "They continue to be heroes today."

In response to the requests, they issued three documents with brief guidance and a list of additional resources that schools can access.

"Schools are already updating their safety and security plans, as required by the SAVE legislation," Commissioner Mills said. "They know they need to plan for any possible future terrorism, and they have asked for advice. This communication gives them some suggestions and questions to answer and points them to some additional resources. Still more information will be coming soon."

The memo advises schools to review specifics concerning the roles different school personnel will take, the types of communications that will not be disrupted, the need for sheltering students and releasing students, and the nature of drills and exercises that will help schools prepare.

The memo on tolerance also outlines some dos and don’ts and points to additional resources. "The first school I visited after September 11," Commissioner Mills said, "was a large Muslim school in New York City. Many children there were afraid to be outside, upset by hateful words and actions from people who released their anger by trying to create scapegoats. The President, the Governor and the Mayor set the right tone by rebuking such shameful behavior."

The memo on crisis counseling also points to resources that can be helpful in working with children.

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