Washington, D.C. | May 24, 2022 — In the United States, “school safety” is synonymous with active shooter drills while learning to read. “School safety” requires teachers to memorize safety plans and emergency protocols while preparing learning plans meant to inspire students. “School safety” means parents drop their children off at school hoping that today will be another day where school is “safe,” and yet so far in 2022 alone, there were 288 mass shootings, of which at least 27 occurred at a school.
Schools are meant to be safe.
It is critical that everyone advocate together for school safety for all children, youth, teachers, and education support professionals. At GCE-US, we are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the 19 children and two teachers whose lives were taken much too soon by this act of senseless violence. This news comes just a week after a racially motivated mass shooting in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, where ten people were killed.
While we are frustrated, saddened, and angered by these tragedies, we know that change and reform is only possible through consistent and coordinated action. At GCE-US, we are committed to advocating together for the right to safe, inclusive education for all — to ensure that all children, youth, teachers, and education support professionals can be safe at school and in their communities.
Resources and Actions:
Please or email us at info [at] gce-us.org to share resources and actions on school safety and safe education for all.
