SAFE Student Pledge

According to the Pew Research Center, gun deaths among children in the United States rose 50 percent from 2019 to 2021. Here in the Middle District Alabama, far too many children are killed or injured by firearms each year. This trend, although alarming, can be reversed. To that end, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama created the SAFE Student Pledge. (SAFE - Stand Against Firearm Endangerment)

The goals of the SAFE Student Pledge are to help young people understand the roles that they can play in reducing gun endangerment and violence by making responsible decisions, and also to foster discussions among them and their families about the necessity of responsible gun ownership.

The SAFE Student Pledge

Ages 6 - 12

• I will never play with a gun, even if it looks like a toy.
• If I find a gun, I will not touch it and I will tell a grown-up right away.
• I know how important it is to keep myself safe.

Ages 13+

• I will remember that any gun I see might be loaded.
• I will never bring a gun to school or use a gun to settle a dispute.
• I will use my influence with friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes.
• My individual choices and actions, when combined with others, will make a difference.

The United States Attorney’s Office welcomes the participation of schools, youth organizations, or law enforcement agencies. Participating organizations will receive a customized digital copy of the pledge for youth to sign. Participants are also encouraged to talk with youth about school gun violence, responsible choices, and good decision making.

How can my organization participate?

If you would like to participate by receiving a pledge form, or if you would like to request a speaker from the office to talk to young people about the SAFE Student Pledge, please email Law Enforcement Coordinator Doug Howard, at usaalm-lecc@usdoj.gov, or call the office at 334-223-7280.