Latest news with #HowardHepburn
CBS News
14-02-2025
- CBS News
7 years since Parkland school shooting marked by day of love and service
PARKLAND - Friday marks seven years since the Parkland massacre. Across Broward County schools, it is a day of service and remembrance for the 14 students and three staff members who were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, in 2018. Students and staff across the district will participate in a variety of volunteer and service projects in honor of those lives. At 10:17 a.m., district schools and facilities will pause for a moment of reflection in memory of those who died. "We will forever hold in our hearts those who died and those who were injured seven years ago," Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said in statement. "This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and compassion that binds our community and a call to action for all of us to build a future rooted in love, kindness and understanding." Parkland massacre led to new safety measures Weeks after the Parkland mass shooting, families got to work to make schools safer to prevent another tragedy from happening. The minimum age to purchase a gun was raised from 18 to 21, a red flag law was passed, and schools across the state moved to have a single entry, making it harder for outsiders to go into a building. Another big change is the use of threat reporting apps. In Broward they use Safer Watch and statewide is Fortify Florida. The reporting apps allow students who see concerning behavior to report it to law enforcement and school officials so that they can work together to investigate any concerns. Many Parkland families are still working to do more. They say the will will continue to fight for what is needed to prevent another tragedy.
CBS News
28-01-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
What if ICE shows up at school? Broward issues guidance
MIAMI - Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn sent a memo to county public school principals Monday, providing guidance on handling potential immigration-related issues at schools. The memo follows recent changes to federal immigration policies and comes ahead of a special legislative session on immigration, convened by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee this week. The memo advised school principals on how to respond if federal immigration agents, such as those from ICE, were to appear at a school. Hepburn emphasized the importance of adhering to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), reminding school leaders that no student information should be released without proper authorization. School leaders were instructed to seek guidance from the district's General Counsel's Office before taking any action in immigration-related situations. Hepburn acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty immigration issues can create for students, families, and staff, urging schools to continue fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all. This communication comes as immigration enforcement and policy changes remain highly debated issues at the state and national levels. The district reassured principals that it is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
