Responding to School Violence

As a union of educators, we are devastated by the loss of 19 students and two fellow educators in Uvalde, TX in yet another senseless school shooting. This follows other recent mass shootings at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY and a church in Orange County, CA.

Our schools should be the place where our communities can trust that the safety of their students and educators is without question. Our schools should be where students spend time dreaming and growing, not practicing active shooter drills.

The NEA has shared some guidance to help parents, students and educators talk about this tragedy.

Safe Oregon also provides tools for anyone struggling with mental health and emotional issues who might need support.

Our union remains committed to fighting for solutions that will end violence in our nation’s public schools and communities. As OEA members, we must continue to unite around our focus in making our schools safe and welcoming places where every student can thrive. Our students deserve nothing less. OEA stands with you.

Download OEA's Safe Schools Now poster to hang in your worksite, sending a clear message that we demand action around school safety and gun violence prevention.

“This tragedy once again underscores the very real dangers of a culture in which gun violence has become too much the norm and is too often the first way to resolve an argument or a grievance. We are ready to work together to ensure students and educators get the emotional and physical support they need to begin the healing process."

Texas State Teachers Association Ovidia Molina and NEA President Becky Pringle in a joint statement