On stopping violence in our schools

Posted 5/31/22

As a result of this week’s ghastly shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, I took time to reach out to Iowa’s representatives in Congress as well as the ISEA and NEA about a …

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On stopping violence in our schools

Posted

As a result of this week’s ghastly shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, I took time to reach out to Iowa’s representatives in Congress as well as the ISEA and NEA about a shift that I believe needs to take place in our thinking about approaching these acts of violence.

I fear my appeals will be brushed aside. I endorse no party. I approached them not as a designated representative of my district or my union. I am simply concerned for the welfare of our nation’s students and want to present an alternative solution.

If the NEA would take the lead by pledging to donate a percentage of our annual dues toward this cause, it would provide clear and concrete evidence of our commitment to change. Congress could follow the NEA’s lead to finally break the unproductive stalemate that we have been struggling with for decades over school violence and make a step towards progress.

By putting more resources to mental health services, it would be a net benefit to young people across the nation. Regardless of a person’s stance on gun regulation there is little argument about the mental health crisis going on with our nation’s children. This needs to be prioritized. Clearly there are other deeply rooted issues that need to be addressed as well related to school violence, but this could be a first step as other avenues are pursued.

Both parties in Congress have expressed concern about the health and welfare of our nation’s children. Looking beyond the 2nd Amendment to the children would provide an opportunity for Congress to unite.

I seek no personal gain in penning this letter nor do I have a hidden agenda. I am simply exhausted as a parent and educator by the persistent inaction on this critical issue.

Schuyler Snakenberg

Wellman