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Weekly Wrap Up: Building Trust Between Communities and Law Enforcement

Summary: 
It’s been a busy week here at the White House. In case you've missed some of our top stories this week, here’s a recap.

It's been a busy week here at the White House. In case you've missed some of our top stories this week, here's a recap.


A Plan to Build Trust Between Communities and Local Police

Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and around the country have highlighted the importance of strong, collaborative relationships between local police and the communities that they protect.

That’s why on Monday, President Obama announced new steps that we’re taking to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities that they are obligated to protect and serve. Take a look at some of the steps we’re taking below:

President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with elected officials, community and faith leaders, and law enforcement officials on community policing

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden meet with elected officials, community and faith leaders, and law enforcement officials to discuss how communities and law enforcement can work together to build trust to strengthen neighborhoods across the country. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)


A Statement on the Grand Jury Decision in the Death of Eric Garner

On Tuesday, a grand jury in Staten Island decided not to bring criminal charges against police officers involved in the heartbreaking death of Eric Garner. Before his remarks at the 2014 White House Tribal Nations Conference, the President delivered a statement about the grand jury decision.

Watch the President’s full remarks here:


The Sixth White House Tribal Nations Conference

On Wednesday, we hosted the 2014 Tribal Nations Conference. This was the sixth Tribal Nations Conference here at the White House and we continue to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen our relationship with Indian Country and to improve the lives of Native Americans. During the event, the President remarked:

We’re all one family. We're all one family. Your nations have made extraordinary contributions to this country. Your children represent the best of this country and its future. Together, we can make sure that every Native young person is treated like a valuable member not only of your nation, but of the American family-- that every Native young person gets an equal shot at the American Dream.

View the President’s full remarks here.


The White House College Opportunity Day of Action

On Thursday, President Obama, Vice President Biden, and the First Lady joined college presidents and other education leaders from around the nation at the second White House College Opportunity Day of Action.

What’s the White House College Opportunity Day of Action All About?

The White House College Opportunity Day of Action builds upon the success of the first White House College Opportunity Summit. The Day of Action yesterday made new commitments to improve degree completion, sustain community collaborations that encourage college-going, train high school counselors as part of the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative, and produce more STEM graduates with diverse backgrounds. During the event, President Obama highlighted what makes our educational system extraordinary:

There’s no place else that has the assets we do when it comes to higher education. People from all over the world aspire to come here and study here. And that is a good thing.


A Decked-Out Christmas Tree with Codes of Jolly

'Tis the season of holiday cheer here at the White House. On Thursday, the 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting took place on the Ellipse at the President’s Park, one of America’s 401 national parks. This year’s ceremony was hosted by none other than Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Performances included Fifth Harmony, Patti LaBelle, Steve Miller, and much more.

Did You Know?

This year, the White House Christmas tree got a digital upgrade. For the first time in history, girls across the country used code to light up the state and regional holiday trees through Google’s Made with Code program.

President Obama dances on stage during the National Christmas Tree lighting

President Barack Obama dances on stage with Fifth Harmony during the singing of “Jingle Bells” during the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)


Tweet of the Week:


As always, be sure to check out this week's episode of West Wing Week and the White House's official Twitter account:

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