NEA President Becky Pringle: Violence in all its forms has no place in our schools, our country and democracy

Washington, DC - National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement in the wake of increased threats and targeted actions against educators following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

"Violence, aggression, and intimidation have no place in our schools or campuses, our country or democracy. When threats and attacks target educators, they do not just endanger individuals, they undermine the very foundation of public education and democracy. Every student deserves to learn in a safe environment and every educator deserves to work without fear.

"The threats, harassment, and mob tactics targeting educators are another orchestrated attempt to intimidate us. These attacks are meant to silence our voices and undermine public education - all to pave the way to privatization.

"America's educators have spent decades demanding our elected leaders take meaningful action to end school and campus shootings. We should focus on making sure that public schools and college campuses are the safest places - not battlegrounds for intimidation and hate.

"Educators work every day to support, inspire and protect our students, their families, and communities. We speak up for all students, especially students with disabilities and from low-income families. Now some are trying to silence us for calling out what is really happening: politicians pushing anti-public education agendas are trying to take meals from hungry students, strip Medicaid from those who need care at school, and target our immigrant students and their families.

"Our nation must reject the vitriol that is making schools and communities less safe and poisoning our public discourse. Our students deserve better: a higher quality of debate and role models who put their safety ahead of politics, and reflect the values of dignity, respect, and democracy."

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About the National Education Association

The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org