New conflict resolution program launches at Montgomery school

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - A new conflict resolution program at Montgomery Public Schools aims to prevent youth violence.

“We see in the news, unfortunately at times, gun violence,” said state Rep. Phillip Ensler. “We see that there are times where we lose young people.”

MPS launched the endeavor Monday at Percy Julian High School.

“We have to do our part. And I’m glad and I’m proud that we’re stepping up,” said Principal Ibrahim Lee.

The program will introduce the topic of conflict resolution in the classroom through communication skill workshops, peer support groups and a focus on parent engagement.

The Birmingham-based education company GPS Educational Services is helping oversee the effort.

“In terms of building it, this is a situation where we’re kind of building a plane in the air, if you will, because we know there are issues we need to confront, and this gives us a huge opportunity to do so,” said Superintendent Melvin Brown.

State lawmakers allocated $200,000 to get the program started.

Ensler helped secure the funding and was at the school system’s press conference.

“A million laws alone can’t stop it, but there are programs that we can put in place to be proactive to try to reach people, our young people in particular, before it results in something violent,” Ensler said.

If the program is successful, it could be implemented at other schools.

Ensler said he would advocate in the Statehouse for similar programs.

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