Together, we can ensure Safe School Communities

Every student deserves to feel safe at school. Since 2020, the number one cause of death for kids in America are guns. In 2020 alone, 4,300 children died from firearms and many of today’s youth have grown up practicing active shooter drills in schools. Educators are increasingly expected to transform from nurturers to first responders at a moment’s notice—having to react and decide the best ways to protect their students based on the circumstances. 

This is unacceptable and preventable. The solutions may not be simple or easy, but we know they start with two things: common sense gun reform and mental health supports.    

OEA and NEA remain committed to ending gun violence in our public schools and community colleges, through legislative action, crisis preparation, and supporting the mental health, education, and well-being of every student and educator.  

Offering Help to Educators

• Messages of support to our members can be sent to [email protected]
• OEA has created an email inbox for resource offer submissions: [email protected]. Please be as specific as possible with your offer of resources including contacts and best next steps whether if it is legal, financial, crisis counseling, donations etc. OEA staff will help local leaders triage offers.