Students are returning to school amid increased security

• About 100,000 students are returning to schools in Washington.
• Mayor Bowser emphasizes that the city is ready to ensure safety without the help of military personnel.
• In Philadelphia, measures for student safety are also being implemented.

This is reported by ABC News, NBC News.

Washington, D.C. is preparing for the start of the new school year, despite the increased security presence from the National Guard and federal agencies. On Monday, September 25, 2025, about 100,000 students will return to school in the nation's capital. Mayor of Washington Muriel Bowser stressed that the presence of military personnel is not necessary for ensuring student safety and that the city is ready to independently address their transportation to school.

According to her, safety programs, such as the Safe Passage program, are already actively working in the city. Bowser noted that the crime rate is decreasing, and she believes that federal agencies do not need to be involved in school security. "We do not need a militarized police presence in the capital," she said.

Despite this, the situation in the city is causing concern among parents. Many of them plan to personally escort their children to school due to the presence of the National Guard, which, in their opinion, creates an atmosphere of fear. In Philadelphia, where the school year is also starting for 200,000 students, school leadership is implementing additional safety measures, including contracts with local police for patrolling unsafe areas.

Mayor of Philadelphia, Toni Utley, emphasized that student safety is a priority, and her team is working on creating a conducive environment for learning. At the same time, parents in both cities express concern about the strained situation with public transportation, which affects access to schools for children.

Tags: USA/Politics