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Health Hub: Gun Violence

Photo of red stop sign with additional sign added underneath reading "Gun Violence" and gray skies in the background

It’s time to end gun violence. 

We know that this problem can be solved. Gun violence is not a predetermined fact of life that we must be prepared for—it is a consequence of decisions made by our elected leaders. 

The problem extends beyond mass shootings. Gun violence affects the lives of our students far too often, inside and outside of schools, especially in communities of color. It is way past time for our leaders to take real action. 

  • Educators Say "Enough is Enough" with Gun Violence - AFT members rallied in DC and over 100 cities across the U.S. to call for sensible gun legislation to make schools safe and secure from gun violence.
  • Texas Parents Speak in Wake of Uvalde Tragedy - In the shadow of the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, AFT convened a group of educators and parents to talk about how the Uvalde tragedy has affected them and their children.
  • Enough is enough. #EndGunViolence - As our country reels from two mass shootings within the span of 10 days, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) convenes parents, educators, student survivors, activists and community leaders in Texas to discuss how we keep our children safe, all while the National Rifle Association hosts its 2022 convention set on protecting the profits of the gun industry.
  • Gun Violence Prevention Press Conference - AFT President Weingarten joins Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, March for Our Lives Co-Founder David Hogg, faith leaders and allies to demand safe schools.
  • Racism is not going to be tolerated: AFT leaders from national, state and local unions visited Buffalo, NY to join with students, faith groups, school administrators and grieving families to call for an end to hatred and violence. They paid respects to slain union and community members and visited a local school to connect with coping teachers and students.
  • Students Against Gun Violence Summit Video - A committee of student leaders across the nation committed to reducing gun violence joined AFT members and leaders to produce the Students’ Bill of Rights on school safety. The Students’ Bill of Rights will be used by students across the country as an organizing document for civic engagement activity focused on reducing gun violence that has affected far too many young lives.
  • Randi Weingarten at NYC #NationalSchoolWalkout - On April 20, 2018, AFT President Randi Weingarten joined with thousands of students, educators, and many more for the #NationalSchoolWalkout. Watch to hear what she said about the need to #ProtectOurSchools and say #NoMore to gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting.
  • Student Survivors Lead Charge to Change Gun Laws - At an emotional rally in Broward County, students survivors and teachers from Stoneman Douglas High School demand changes in gun laws to protect the next school.
  • Student and Teacher Voices from the March for Our Lives: AFT headquarters became a hub that hosted students and teachers from New York, Baltimore, New Jersey and Florida for the #MarchForOurLives rally. Hear what some of these activists had to say.