We Are United

Schools are not fortresses. They are places where our children and teachers go to play, learn, teach, discover, and grow. However, on May 24th at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that was not the case. They learned about death. They experienced violence. They felt bewildered and afraid. Today, friends and families of the 19 children and two teachers who died at Robb Elementary School are also experiencing the deep pain of loss and grief. They are facing a reality that their school, their community, and the country they live in is not safe.

The board and staff of Green Schools National Network share in their grief and loss. We share in their shock and anger.

This latest act of violence fortifies our commitment to address the inequities embedded in a majority rule system in Washington, D.C., that allow representatives and senators who represent a minority of the people in this country to block reasonable legislation that can stop these heinous acts. A majority of people in America support increased funding for mental health services; background checks before purchasing guns; a license to own a gun; a national “red flag” law; and a ban of automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. And yet, here we are, 23 years after the massacre at Columbine High School; 10 years after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School; and five years after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – grieving the loss of 21 innocents who went to school and lost their lives.

Join us in lifting your voice to demand change. Demand more funding for mental health services; demand a registry for gun ownership; mandatory background checks for all gun purchases; and demand a ban on automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines.

I also invite you to join us in lifting up and supporting the Uvalde community. More than 80% of the students who attend Robb Elementary School identify as economically disadvantaged and the community is going to need our collective help to move forward from this tragedy. Please consider making a donation to the people of Uvalde.

We are united in our grief. We are united in our desire to see the violence end now. We are united in calling for elected leaders across the nation to do more. And we are united in our belief that schools should be safe, healthy, equitable, and sustainable.

Jenny Seydel, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Green Schools National Network

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