Massacre is the deadliest elementary school shooting since Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012
May 24th, 2022
Today we all mourn the devastating loss of 19 children and two adults that were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Our work at the The Institute for Educational Leadership centers on children and the leadership, policies, and practices that can help ensure bright futures for all kids through education. Today, our existing systems once again failed this country’s children – not just those who were senselessly murdered today, but all children – who deserve a safe place to learn and thrive, free of fear.
Today’s shooting is now the deadliest attack of the year, and comes just ten days after a racially-motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, New York left ten Black community members dead at a supermarket.
IEL stands with the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District and its community during this unfathomable time of loss and tragedy. This type of devastation is a parent’s worst nightmare – the days, weeks, and months ahead will require us to all come together as families, schools, and communities to fight hard for change, despite seeing this type of event play out year after year, over and over again.
“Our hearts are breaking for the Uvalde community and for everyone connected to Robb Elementary School,” said IEL President Eddie Koen. “We must lean on each other for support right now and be there for one another. But we must also press on and keep fighting for our kids, and for safe schools. Through common-sense gun safety measures, prioritizing mental health supports, and elevating social-emotional learning that can help our students develop and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and show empathy for others, we can give children the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Below are a few resources to explore and share in the wake of this most recent school shooting: