Students are leveraging their voices to promote social change in the aftermath of the Florida high school shooting. We have been inspired by the wisdom and awareness of these students, who are organizing protests and walkouts nationwide beginning March 14.

Safety is our first priority and it is our duty as educators to provide a school environment where students are nurtured and cared for every day. Our hearts and minds are with our students and we are steadfast in supporting their activities across the nation and specifically in California.

The California Teachers Association and the Association of California School Administrators encourage educators to provide students with a secure venue and substantive activities where their voices can be heard. We believe on-campus activities and collaboration between district employees and students can deliver a powerful message of unity.

Should students from your schools make the personal choice to participate in an action or protest outside of their campuses, we ask that administrators, teachers, and staff work together to ensure they are safe throughout the entire event.

Thank you for being student advocates and thank you for being the connection between our families
and our communities.

Eric C. Heins                                          Dr. Wesley Smith
President                                                Executive Director
California Teachers Association              Association of California School Administrators