The safety of students and communities has always been a pillar of the Department of Diné Education, but over the past 18 months it has become a true priority.
Following a security incident in Kayenta, AZ, department staff led by Office of Diné School Improvement manager Dr. Ferlin Clark have met as the Navajo Nation School-Community Safety Task Force consistently. Meetings are held every other week for staff and stakeholders and partners to share new updates and recent developments that have affected Diné schools.
In the over 30 meetings that the Task Force has held, we have gained new collaborative partners including the ILoveUGuys Foundation, founded in 2006 in Colorado following a tragedy at one of the schools. Other Navajo Nation departments include the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Division of Public Safety, Navajo Division for Children & Families, Navajo Nation Police, and leaders of numerous school districts both on and near the Navajo Nation. Their input and support have guided the discussion and steps shared at each of our meetings.
The website designed by task force staff from Central Consolidated Schools can be viewed at https://www.operationdineschoolsafety.com.
RAMPING UP EFFORTS
The task force met and discussed techniques to bolster their own safety efforts following a series of threats against schools on and near the Navajo Nation in September. Numerous calls were made following reports of students brandishing weapons (some of which were debunked) while other claims about school shootings were also investigated and turned out false.
Navajo Police Commander Donnie Lee reported at numerous task force meetings that even if a call turns out to be false, the police department takes all threats very seriously and investigates each of them as though that were the case.
Early in October, the task force presented their ongoing efforts to the 25th Navajo Nation Council. Dr. Clark and John-Michael Keys of ILoveUGuys were the primary speakers about the importance of the task force and why our Diné leaders should also support this key initiative. We intend to continue with our meetings as well as our efforts to enhance the safety of our schools and communities.
The next meeting is scheduled for mid-November with discussions of a larger, in-person gathering towards the end of the year. More details will be shared as we get closer to the respective dates.
Cody M. Begaye
Department of Diné Education Administration