National PTA Statement on Shooting at Marshall County High School
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Jan. 23, 2017)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:
“National PTA is deeply saddened to hear of the shooting this morning at Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, families, educators and administrators impacted.
“Any act of violence at a school or involving children and youth is intolerable. Every student deserves to learn and grow in an environment that is safe. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home. Sadly, the threat of gun violence for children has increased and our country has experienced far too many gun-related tragedies. This is the fourth shooting at or near a school this school year.
“It is urgent that families, educators, school administrators, community leaders and elected officials work together to prevent gun violence in schools and ensure that all students have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn.
“It remains a top priority of National PTA to promote safety for children and youth and improve education. National PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for policies in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention, juvenile justice, mental health and students’ overall well-being.
“National PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.
Media Contact
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
[email protected], (703) 518-1242