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NEA Communications 202-822-7200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 1998

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- National Education Association (NEA) President Bob Chase expressed his deep sadness at the shocking news of today's tragic shooting at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon by a recently expelled student.

"The NEA family extends its heartfelt condolences to the community of Springfield," said Chase. "The recent shootings at schools greatly pain every single one of us in the education community. We are horrified by these senseless acts committed by desperate and deeply troubled people. We need to come together as a community -- not only to provide moral support, but to strengthen our ties to one another so that children like the 15-year-old boy in Springfield do not fall through the cracks. A single incidence of guns in our schools is one too many."

Chase noted the alarming similarity to past shootings marked by easy availability of guns and threats issued in advance by the gunmen. He renewed calls for hiring adequate numbers of guidance counselors and school nurses in every school to spot early warning signs of violence before a tragedy occurs.

The NEA is on record calling for responsible ownership of guns, including safe use and storage. Under the Zero Tolerance approach, the 2.4 million-member professional association also has called for severe penalties for criminal actions involving guns in school settings. The NEA believes that adults should be held responsible for keeping guns out of the hands of children.

"America's culture of violence has breached the boundaries of the schoolhouse," said Chase. "We can no longer afford to dismiss these acts as those of outsiders. Violence will continue unabated until we recognize that everyone in the community shares ownership of the cancer that continues to grow in our society."

In August 1997, school safety was singled out by NEA and the American Federation of Teachers as one of three priorities for the Joint Council of the two organizations. The Joint Council has established the Safe School and Family-School Partnership Program, which provides resources, technical assistance and training to affiliates engaged in community partnerships. In addition, NEA has produced several publications that address the issue, such as the Safe Schools Manual, which has become a valuable resource to teachers.

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.