May 26, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA – In the wake of recent elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, California State PTA, is asking for more than your thoughts – it’s time to take action.
California State PTA stands with National PTA and Texas PTA as one voice demanding safe schools for every child in our nation. We must put an end to gun violence and provide support for our children and families impacted by this trauma.
We must stand up for the 19 students, two teachers that died and the 17 injured in the Uvalde, Texas tragedy. As the country’s largest volunteer led child advocacy association, we must demand that our lawmakers be as brave as the teachers who gave their lives to shield their students from gunfire. As parents and teachers and community members who care about our children we must end this violence.
“For more than a century, California State PTA has advocated for safe schools and for gun laws to protect our children. And now another school shooting is in the news. When will it be enough? How many more children have to die before we do something? Gun violence is a public-health crisis that affects us all – and it is time for action,” said California State PTA President Carol Green. “California State PTA supports state and federal legislation that protect children and youth from gun violence.”
Our position statement on Firearms and Assault Weapons affirms the association’s stance on firearms including minimum age requirements to purchase guns, prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons defined as automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and incorporates language from the National PTA position that the safest schools are gun free schools.
California State PTA will be addressing gun violence, school safety and mental health issues with federal lawmakers in Washington D.C. on June 15 during the 2022 National PTA Hill Day – but we are not waiting – we ask our members to take action now and urge congress to protect our children from gun violence.
California State PTA will continue to watch federal legislation including House Resolution (HR) 8 – Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2021 (Thompson) and will keep members informed with action alerts.
Take Action:
- Take Action: Urge Congress to Protect Our Children from Gun Violence
- 2022 PTA Capitol Hill Day Ask: Community Safety and Youth Violence Prevention
- National PTA calls for Gun Violence Prevention, watch here.
Resources:
- Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
- Every Town for gun Safety
- Harvard Health: Children and Gun Safety: What to Know and Do
- California State PTA Position Statement: Firearms and Assault Weapons
- Grief & Loss Resources for Children
- Helping Children Manage Distress
- NCTSN Psychilogical First Aid for Schools (PFA-S) Field Operations Guide
- Talking to Children About School & Community Shootings
Resolutions:
- Ban on Military Assault-Type Weapons
- Firearm Safety and Awareness
- Firearm Safety Devices
- Licensing and Regulation of Handguns
- Violence Prevention in Schools
On Tuesday, National PTA shared:
