Nashville anti‑trafficking group presents Educate to Recognize program to Rutherford County School Board

The Nashville Anti Human Trafficking Coalition on Tuesday asked the Rutherford County School Board to consider bringing its Educate to Recognize curriculum to the district, emphasizing prevention, parent engagement and faculty training.

"We are here tonight not simply to ask for the opportunity to speak in your schools and protect children before harm ever begins, but more importantly to ensure that no children are bought and sold in Rutherford County," said Monte Garg, who introduced himself as the director of Educate to Recognize for the coalition. He said the program focuses on prevention and early intervention and that materials are age‑appropriate for middle and high school students.

The presentation stressed that trafficking commonly begins with grooming and that technology — social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps — is increasingly used to reach students. Garg said the coalition provides a free ‘‘parent kit’’ that includes a national child identification insert, conversation starters, online‑safety tips and a two‑sided family safety plan designed to help parents move from awareness to action.

Garg recounted a recent sextortion case in which a student emptied his bank account and became suicidal; the family had attended an NAHT presentation, and the presenter said that awareness training and faculty readiness helped the family secure immediate support. He also cited a Tennessee Department of Health suicide‑prevention report and said suicide is a leading cause of death for Tennessee youth, with an increase since 2019.

A testimonial video from Chrissy Bedbeez, identified in the packet as director of personal counseling at St. Cecilia Academy, thanked NAHT and said the presentation ‘‘fit perfectly with that mission.’’ The coalition also acknowledged local partners, including Tris Sutherland of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Rutherford County vice unit, and said it coordinates its response with local law enforcement and district policies.

Board members asked about curriculum samples, the frequency of presentations and cost. NAHT representatives said they present to parents first, then students, update content annually because predator tactics evolve, and that there is no direct cost for the standard presentations; donations to the Educate to Recognize program are accepted. Board members suggested starting with one‑ or two‑night parent information sessions as an initial step and said formal board support or a vote would help move the program forward.

The board asked NAHT to provide sample curricula and age‑specific materials by email. The board did not take a formal vote during the work session; members asked that the item be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration.

The presentation packet and sample materials will be provided to board members for follow‑up, and staff indicated next steps would include routing any curriculum through the board’s approval processes.