SCHOOL/COMMUNITY VIOLENCE: A NATIONAL CRISIS

WHEREAS, it is critical that we realize that the resulting and too often fatal incidents in our schools and on our school grounds are occurring across the United States; and

WHEREAS, this is a national crisis involving the well-being of our children that must immediately be addressed by the president and Congress of the United States as well as other relevant agencies:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will take the following action(s):

Seek through correspondence, email, petitioning and other appropriate methods, the support of state and federal legislators, and all other critical people and organizations, to ensure safety in our schools (which extends into the communities) for the following:

• Earmarked federal funding for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school attendance teachers, etc., with a defined caseload, e.g., 120/1.
• Earmarked federal funding to provide sufficient security personnel who will also be trained to gain the confidence of students to relate any concerns.
• Earmarked federal funding for community organizations that have experience working with students to prevent acts of violence and disruption.
• Earmarked federal funding to provide additional security measures for any district/school that needs them, without taking away from students’ other educational needs programs.
• De-escalating techniques for all staff and parents, including restorative justice practices.
• Other critical school security needs identified by a school district and its school staff.

​(July 15, 2022)