It’s time to end gun violence
We know that this problem can be solved. Gun violence is not a predetermined fact of life that we must be prepared for—it is a consequence of decisions made by our elected leaders.
The problem extends beyond mass shootings. Gun violence affects the lives of our students far too often, inside and outside of schools, especially in communities of color. It is way past time for our leaders to take real action.
Keeping Our Schools Safe
Gun violence in schools is a complex issue. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, issued a report that provides a clear roadmap for how to tackle the problem from multiple angles, outlining strategies proven to help improve school safety. The three organizations are calling on lawmakers to stand up to the gun lobby and take immediate action to finally start protecting our schools from gun violence.
The American people want change
A 2023 poll from Johns Hopkins University found that a vast majority of respondents support commonsense gun violence prevention policies.
72% of Americans support requiring a person to obtain a license from a local law enforcement agency before buying a gun.
72% of Americans support laws that require a person to lock up the guns in their home when not in use.
76% of Americans support allowing family members to ask the court to temporarily remove guns from a relative who they believe is at risk of harming themselves or others.
69% of Americans support funding community-based gun violence prevention programs that provide outreach, conflict mediation, and social support for people at high risk of gun violence.
These results are clear. We must stand in solidarity across the country and demand action NOW.
Lesson plans
- Share My Lesson: Helping children cope with traumatic events
- Share My Lesson: Gun violence in the United States
Safe Storage Resources
- Secretary Cardona's letter to school leaders asking that the promote safe storage
- DOJ's new information guide on the basics of safe storage for firearm owners
Keeping Our Communities Safe
- Information about community violence intervention programs
Video
- Meet these students against gun violence
- Randi Weingarten at the New York City #NationalSchoolWalkout
- Student survivors lead charge to change gun laws
- Stoneman Douglas educators and students at the #NationalSchoolWalkout
AFT Resolutions
- WE MOURN OUR DEAD IN BUFFALO AND UVALDE; WE ORGANIZE AGAINST HATE AND GUN VIOLENCE TO FIGHT FOR THE LIVING
- SCHOOL/COMMUNITY VIOLENCE: A NATIONAL CRISIS
- OPPOSITION TO ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS
- GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SCHOOL SAFETY
AFT Voices
- Teachers Unify speaking at AFT Convention 2024
- AFT President Randi Weingarten’s Remarks at the March for Our Lives
- Gun violence and mental health
- Children under fire
- White House hears PSRPs on protecting kids from gun violence
- This is our lane
- Student and teacher voices from the March for Our Lives
- Arming teachers is ludicrous
- School safety and security, for real
Actions
- Take the pledge to protect our schools