FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 1997                           (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

   ATTORNEY GENERAL RENO CALLS ON NATION'S SCHOOLS TO CONSIDER
            PEER MEDIATION PROGRAMS TO REDUCE VIOLENCE


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno today called
on schools across the country to consider adopting peer mediation
programs like the ones now operating in the nation's capitol.

     Anti-truancy, school violence and other programs like peer
mediation could be funded under youth violence legislation
President Clinton recently sent to Congress.

     At an event highlighting a peer mediation program operating
in several Washington, D.C. schools, Reno watched as students of
all ages showed how they mediate conflicts among their peers.

     She also pledged to provide technical assistance to other
schools that want to set up similar programs that would deal with
at-risk youth.

     "If students can learn how to talk through their disputes,
they won't have to resort to fists and guns," said Reno.
"President Clinton's new youth violence legislation will help
schools support successful initiatives like these."

     Several studies--including studies done in New York City,
Nevada, and New Mexico--have shown that conflict resolution
programs lead to a decrease in violence at schools.

     "When something works, it makes sense to make sure everyone
knows about it," added Reno, who has visited eleven schools in
D.C. that have peer mediation programs.

     The Administration's Anti-Gang and Youth Violence
legislation sent to Congress last week would authorize $75
million to fund initiatives such as violence intervention
programs, after-school and summer activities and dispute
resolution programs.
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