Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that would expand safety measures at colleges and universities across the state.
HB 757, also known as School Safety, is described as “expanding key safety and security measures to the state’s colleges and universities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to maintaining safe learning environments at every level of education.”
“We’ve made historic strides to implement school safety measures that are working to protect our schools. Today, I was proud to build on these efforts by signing HB 757, which enhances campus security requirements and best practices at our colleges and universities throughout Florida,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We can have the highest academic standards, the strongest workforce programs, and the most innovative pathways for students, but must also continue our focus on the safety of our students and educators.”
Under HB 757, the governor’s office says that the following guidelines will be implemented:
“By extending the Guardian Program to higher education institutions, we are equipping campuses with additional tools to help safeguard students and professors. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment, and this legislation reinforces Florida’s unwavering commitment to protect our schools,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas.
The Guardian Program, which allows trained teachers and staff to “serve as armed guardians” on school grounds, was created in 2018 after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Through the program, guardians undergo training provided by local sheriff’s offices, including psychological evaluations and at least 144 hours of rigorous training.