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Press Release

Statement from NEA President Becky Pringle on East High School, Des Moines, Iowa School Shooting

Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, reacted to the news about the shooting at East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, which resulted in the tragic death of one student and left several other students injured.
Published: March 8, 2022

Washington— Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, reacted to the news about the shooting at East High School in Des Moines, Iowa, which resulted in the tragic death of one student and left several other students injured.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle:  

“News of the fatal shooting at East High School was horrifying. Schools should be one of the safest places for students and educators – but gunshots shattered the physical safety of the school community, and we lost yet another student. 

“We stand together during this difficult moment, and we’re sending love and healing thoughts to the victims and their families in the East High School community. We are ready to work with our Iowa State Education Association and Des Moines Education Association families to ensure that students and members get the emotional and physical support they need to begin the healing process.

“We remain steadfastly committed to ending gun violence in our nation’s public schools and communities. We owe it to our students and educators to make our schools safe and welcoming places where every student can thrive.”

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About the National Education Association: The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org. 

National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.