BTF CALLS VIOLENCE IN AND AROUND SCHOOLS “A NATIONAL CRISIS” REQUIRING PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL INTERVENTION

A resolution passed unanimously by the BTF’s governing bodies calls upon the President and Congress of the United States to address a “National Crisis”, the violence, anger and disruptive behaviors that are harmfully infecting students/children. (Below)

The BTF called for:

• Earmarked Federal funding for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school attendance teachers, etc., with a defined caseload, e.g. 120/1.
• Earmarked Federal funding to provide sufficient security personnel who will also be trained to gain the confidence of students to relate any concerns.
• Earmarked Federal funding for community organizations that have experience working with students to prevent acts of violence and disruption.
• Earmarked Federal funding to provide metal detectors for any District/School that needs them, without taking away from other students’ educational needs/programs.
• De-escalating techniques for all staff and parents.

Other critical school security needs identified by a school district.

To accomplish this, the BTF will work with its State and National affiliates, State and Federal legislators and other individuals and organizations.

“Violence, anger and disruptive behaviors are infecting our students/children, leading to violence in and around our schools.

This is a National Crisis involving the well-being of our children that must be immediately addressed by the President and Congress of the United States.

We call for all to join with us to secure earmarked federal funding so that our students/children/communities are safe from violence and disruption”, stated Philip Rumore, President of the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

WHEREAS: Violence, anger and disruptive behaviors are harmfully infecting our students/children, and

WHEREAS: It is critical that we realize that the resulting and too-often fatal incidents in our schools and on our school grounds are occurring across the United States, and

WHEREAS: This is a National Crisis involving the well-being of our children that must immediately be addressed by the President and Congress of the United States as well as other relevant agencies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the BTF will take the following action(s):

• Seek through correspondence, email, petitioning and other appropriate methods, the support of NYSUT, NEA, AFT, our State and Federal legislators, and all other critical people and organizations, to ensure safety in our schools (which extends into the communities) for the following:
  • Earmarked Federal funding for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school attendance teachers, etc. with a defined caseload, e.g. 120/1.
  • Earmarked Federal funding to provide sufficient security personnel who will also be trained to gain the confidence of students to relate any concerns.
  • Earmarked Federal funding for community organizations that have experience working with students to prevent acts of violence and disruption.
  • Earmarked Federal funding to provide metal detectors for any District /School that needs them, without taking away from students’ other educational needs/programs.
  • De-escalating techniques for all staff and parents.
  • Other critical school security needs identified by a school district.
    

Passed unanimously by the BTF Executive Committee and Council of Delegates on March 24, 2022