Opinion
more gun violence. What might be helpful? Recent proposals for universal background checks, bans on automatic or semiautomatic weapons and their multicartridge magazines, enhanced mental health services, improved education and, ultimately, a change in our culture of violence would be reasonable steps toward a safer environment for our children. Editor’s Note: Pat Albright, a retired teacher and OEA member, is a member of the Lane Community College board. This column originally ran online at: www. registerguard.com on Jan. 17, 2013. The opinions expressed here are his own. Credits: Sascha Burkard/iStockphoto.com
Majority of Educators Support Stronger Gun Safety Laws
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esults of a new poll by the National Education Association (NEA) show educators support stronger gun laws to prevent gun violence and keep children safe. The poll of the nation’s teachers, faculty and education support professionals comes one month after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that claimed the lives of 20 children and 6 adults, including educators. NEA polled 800 of its members nationwide during the period of January 9-10, 2013. “The senseless tragedy in Newtown was a tipping point and galvanization for action,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. “As educators, we have grieved too long and too often—for the children killed, their families and heroic educators. Now more than ever we need to do what is necessary, including enacting stronger laws to prevent gun violence, to make sure every child in our nation’s public schools has a safe and secure learning environment.” Go to: www.nea.org/home/54026.htm to read NEA’s recommendations to Vice President Biden’s task force on preventing gun violence.
TODAY’S OEA | FEBRUARY 2013
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