ALEXANDRIA, Va. (April 9, 2014) — The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Otha Thornton:
National PTA is deeply saddened to hear of the stabbing incident this morning at Franklin Regional Senior High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. The Association extends its sympathies to the students, teachers, administrators and families affected.
Our country has experienced far too many of these tragedies, and the threat of violence has grown in schools across the country. The protection of students is of utmost importance, and it is critical that parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and Congress work together to make meaningful changes and find the most effective ways to ensure that all children have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn.
As America’s oldest and largest child advocacy association, it is a top priority of National PTA to prevent and eliminate violence in schools to promote safety for children and improve education. Following this type of tragedy, the mission of the Association becomes that much more important.
National PTA has a strong history of advocating for the safety of children in schools. The Association monitors, supports and advocates for laws and programs at all levels in the areas of safety, juvenile justice and violence prevention.
National PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and PTAs in coping with and preventing violence. The Association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolViolence.
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.