National PTA Praises Administration’s
Gun Violence Prevention Agenda

Maintains Position on Gun-Free Schools

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (January 16, 2013)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA® President Betsy Landers:

National PTA applauds President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for the robust plan they put forth today addressing gun violence prevention. For decades, National PTA has called on parents, educators, community members, and government to prioritize this issue to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.

National PTA agrees with the Administration in that we need to offer safety training and comprehensive mental health services as well as to implement:

• Universal background checks for the sale and possession of firearms;
• A ban on non-sporting ammunition in high-capacity magazines; and
• The reenactment and expansion of an effective federal ban on the sale and possession of military-style assault weapons.  

As the President conveyed in his remarks, our number one task, as a nation, is to protect our children. To achieve this, National PTA believes schools also must be completely gun-free.  The Administration’s recommendation to expand the school resource officer program therefore comes as a disappointment.

Despite this, National PTA praises the Administration’s swift action and looks forward to the implementation of these new proposals and executive actions as well as additional bipartisan legislative solutions.

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 parent involvement 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.