Millions of children in the United States attend schools daily. Their safety is paramount, yet there are pervasive threats that undermine it, one being the proximity of registered sex offenders—specifically pedophiles—to educational institutions. As of 2016, there were approximately 859,500 registered sex offenders in the U.S., a number that's been growing each year (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children). Close to 40-50% of these offenders are classified as child molesters or pedophiles. This makes it a significant concern for every parent, teacher, or responsible guardian. This petition calls on law makers to enact stringent rules that prohibit registered sex offenders, in particular pedophiles, from residing within a reasonable distance from educational institutions, providing a buffer of safety for our kids. By signing this petition, we are advocating for the safety of our children and their right to education in a secure environment. Step up for children’s safety and sign this petition.