ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Sept. 26, 2024)—Today, the Biden Administration announced a new executive order to help reduce gun violence and save lives. National PTA President Yvonne Johnson issued the following statement on the Administration’s executive actions:

“For too many years we have been at a crisis point and have called for action and sensible gun safety and violence prevention policies that will help make our schools and communities safer. Firearm injury is now the leading cause of death for children under the age of 19. Research shows that parents are most concerned about their children experiencing gun violence at school over any concerns about curriculum and academic performance. And we know the impact this pervasive gun violence has on the health and well-being of our country—especially on the mental health and educational outcomes of our youth.

“National PTA applauds the Administration’s commitment to help address this epidemic facing our country, including the new initiatives announced through the executive order to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands, encourage safe and secure storage of firearms, and better communicate with families about school-based active shooter drills. The executive order is a positive step, and we must continue to work at the federal, state and local levels to ensure the safety and success of all children in our schools. We will never stop speaking loudly and demanding more for every child and family across our country.”

National PTA has long advocated for common sense solutions to gun violence—from promoting safe and secure firearm storage at home and encouraging evidence-based gun violence prevention research to strengthening background checks and building supportive learning environments. In March, National PTA launched a collaboration with Everytown for Gun Safety to better advocate for gun violence prevention in school communities. In June, National PTA delegates adopted an amendment to the association’s resolution on Safe Storage of Firearms that calls for the association to support legislation requiring adults to be accountable for storing their firearms safely. As part of National PTA’s Family and School Safety Month in October, the association will be launching the Blueprint for Parent Leaders to Take Action on Gun Violence Prevention in collaboration with Everytown, a new resource that will provide parent leaders with the strategies and tools to host critical conversations related to school safety planning and gun violence prevention in their local school communities.

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.