We may never fully understand the “why” of what happened at Michigan State University (MSU). But here is what we know: Only six weeks into 2023, our nation has endured more than 70 mass shootings.
We know that once again, students—whether going to evening classes or study groups, or simply out grabbing a snack—scrambled to protect themselves and their friends from someone with a gun.
We know they hid as best they could, frantically texting the people they loved to say goodbye.
We know that for some students, Monday’s terror was the second mass shooting they have endured. Fifteen months ago, some were students at Oxford High School in Michigan, where a 15-year-old shot and killed four students and wounded seven others, including a teacher. Another was a survivor of the Sandy Hook massacre in which 20 children and six educators were murdered.
And we know that, beyond the horrific mass shootings that have become almost commonplace in America, gun violence takes the lives of more than 110 of us on each day of the week.
As NEA President Becky Pringle said, “We must continue to come together to end the preventable epidemic of gun violence in this country and ensure all of us can be safe in our schools and communities.” The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law last year, was the most significant gun legislation in the past 30 years—but more can be done. Congress should obey the will of the vast majority of Americans by passing commonsense gun laws, including requiring background checks on all gun sales.
Educators are always on the front lines, supporting and nurturing students—and the past three years have truly been a test of their fortitude. On Monday, NEA President Becky Pringle and NEA members Alison Sylvester of Vermont and Arthur Anderson of Virginia participated in a town hall on educator pay (watch it here) hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, and two AFT members from New York City and West Virginia were also featured speakers. The educators spoke of their passion for what they do, and the need for better pay—and more respect. We expect Senator Sanders to introduce legislation on increasing educator pay soon.
In solidarity,
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association
CHEER: Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) introduced the American Teacher Act to address the teacher shortage by providing grants that would support state efforts to increase teacher salaries to a minimum of $60,000 a year. The bill has more than 50 cosponsors in the House.
