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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 1999

News Release

NEA President Hails Fast Action to Avert Violence in Cleveland

"We all need to lock arms in the effort to keep children safe."

Washington, D.C. -- "The school violence plot derailed in Cleveland, Ohio today is proof positive that communication among parents, children and schools works," said National Education Association (NEA) president Bob Chase. "We all need to lock arms in the effort to keep children safe. Nothing we do is more important."

"The arrests and action taken by the school also send a strong message to those weak at heart who would conspire to commit a vile act," said Chase. "Get help! Your community, your parents, your schoolmates and your school won't tolerate violence, but we will support you in getting the help you need to become whole."

"Today's action marks an important step in ensuring that all our children have a healthy and safe passage into adulthood," said Chase. "I applaud the students, school, law enforcement, and city officials for their swift action to keep students and teachers safe. Our children need the hearty embrace of a community that cares. The action in Cleveland shows how much that support can mean."

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.