Father of Columbine School Shooting Victim Speaks at JMU

From: Public Affairs

November 8, 2007

HARRISONBURG — Darrell Scott, the father of the first student killed in the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999, will present "Rachel's Challenge," a non-violence school program, at James Madison University. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Scott will speak about school violence and the influential life of his daughter, Rachel. A videotape made by the Columbine shooters prior to their rampage revealed that Rachel was targeted and mocked because of her Christian faith and the life she lived.

DATE: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007
TIME: 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Grand Ballroom, Festival Conference and Student Center

"Mr. Scott has spoken to well over 1 million people about 'Rachel's Challenge,' which provides a viable approach to school violence," said Dr. Dave Herr, a professor and graduate coordinator in JMU's Department of Exceptional Education who is organizing Scott's visit.

Scott has also appeared on the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" multiple times, met with two U.S. presidents and co-authored a book, "Rachel's Tears," in 2000. In 2005, "Rachel's Challenge" received the Friends of Education Award from the state of New York.

Scott's JMU presentation is sponsored by the Provost's Office and qualifies as a Passport Event for JMU students.

JMU Public Affairs contact to arrange media interviews with Darrell Scott: Janet Smith, 540-568-8008 or smithjl@jmu.edu.

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