ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Oct. 29, 2018)—National PTA President Jim Accomando issued the following statement on the shooting at Butler High School in Matthews, N.C.:
“While we don't know the specific circumstances of this tragedy yet, our hearts and minds are with the parents, students, families and educators at Butler High School.
“Any act of violence at a school or involving children and youth is intolerable. Every student deserves to learn and grow in a safe environment. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home for school.
This is yet another call for action to prevent gun violence in the United States of America. School safety is a critical priority for all parents, educators, students and community members that cannot be taken for granted. We must make every attempt to reduce violence, especially incidents that involve firearms.
“It remains a top priority of PTA to promote safety for children and youth and improve education. 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.
“PTA is also committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. We offer a variety of resources 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.