Fighting school violence means taking on guns

NEA Today, Mar 1994 by Merina, Anita

Johnson testified before a grand jury session to discuss the issue of teens and violence. "We called attention to the rising numbers of assaults and weapons incidents, and we restated our firm belief that without gun-free schools our children don't have the chance to learn.

"The grand jury agreed and came up with very strong recommendations for tougher gun control, stricter juvenile accountability laws, and better communication between social services and schools. We were ecstatic because all of these recommendations supported what we were saying," recalls Johnson.

Association members have also stepped up the pressure by lobbying for the gun control laws, taking part in anti-violence forums and coalitions.

Gun legislation isn't the only front the FCEA is working on. The Association's pushing legislation strengthening the link between schools and social services, school safety assessments, and conflict mediation programs in all schools.

These will come in time, says Johnson, but first, "we've got to get the guns out of our schools."

IN OHIO:

GOING TO COURT

Bob Buelow, former teacher and current staff consultant for the Columbus (Ohio) Education Association, wasn't surprised when a student pulled a gun on another student in class last year.

"Earlier this year, a MAC 10, similar to an Uzi was found on one campus, and threats of such incidents are increasing. Recently, four teachers at four different middle schools were assaulted. During the assaults, two teachers were told, 'I'll be coming back, with a gun.'"

CEA has been quick to respond. Unfortunately, the Columbus school administration hasn't.

"We're remaining vigilant over an administration that doesn't want to admit these troubles exist," says Buelow. "That means enforcing a contract that says our members have the right to go to court over these assaults. It means keeping track of weapons reports and keeping our own tally of incidents."

And it means, says Buelow, that when the district doesn't respond, CEA will be there for its members.

"Our members have the right to safe schools as much as the students have the right to safe schools," says Buelow. "We don't have any qualms about stepping in to protect them."

CEA also doesn't have reservations about sending its members back to school. Together with Ohio State University, CEA developed a 10-week course for teachers titled "Strategies for Daily Survival."

In the course, members listen to panel discussions on school violence, including a discussion on weapons, and learn self-defense and stress management.

In the coming months, CEA will wage a public awareness campaign on weapons using posters asking students to "Save a life, turn in a weapon."

"Community officials can't ignore the problem any longer," says Buelow. "We won't let them."

SOBERING STATISTICS

* Nearly 50,000 children were killed by firearms between 1979 and 1991, equal to the number of American battle casualties in the Vietnam War.

* In 1991, 5,261 children and teenagers died as a result of firearm injuries.