Dear Students,
Recently, you witnessed a harrowing event that no child should ever have to endure. Just days ago, you saw peers your age escape from their school, hands on their heads, while others shared photos and videos from a classroom much like yours, where they were locked down in fear. That day, 17 lives were lost in a school that should have been a safe haven for learning and growth. And this, sadly, is not an isolated incident.
When you entered my classroom that day, it was clear that fear was palpable. You asked me what I would do if a gunman were to enter our school, seeking reassurance that I had a plan to keep you safe. I assured you that I had thought it through, meticulously planning how to lead you to safety, even if it meant putting myself in harm’s way. Like many educators, I would shield you with my body if it came to that.
In the months ahead, I recognize that the sound of a fire alarm will likely cause anxiety. You might flinch at sudden noises or dread the thought of lockdown drills, harboring feelings you may not vocalize. This isn’t how it should be; you shouldn’t have to face the fear of violence while you are in my classroom, where learning should be your only concern. You shouldn’t worry about whether you’ll return home to your families. This is not the world we should be offering you. We, the adults, have failed you. We haven’t provided the safe learning environment you deserve, and we haven’t acted decisively to prevent these tragedies from happening repeatedly.
Every day that we do not take action to restrict access to firearms for those who should not have them, we are failing you. Time and again, we hear from those who prioritize guns over lives that “now is not the time” to talk about gun control. But you know, and I know, that school shootings occur far too frequently in this country. So if now is not the time, when will it be? You question why no one seems to be doing anything, and while I try to explain, the truth is, there’s no logical reason that could justify why some prioritize their “Constitutional Rights” over your very lives.
You’ve asked me how many lives must be lost before we finally take meaningful action, and I had no answer.
So here’s my commitment to you: I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure your safety. I will address bullying when I see it, working to prevent anyone from becoming a source of pain. I will listen to your concerns about anyone who seems unsafe or at risk, and I will act on those worries. I will reassure you time and again that I will take every measure I can to protect you.
I care deeply about each of you. I wish I could promise that the latest tragedy would prompt those in power to prioritize your wellbeing over profits from the gun industry, but I can’t guarantee that. What I can promise is that I love you all and that you are incredibly important to me. You deserve so much better than what we’ve provided.
We all deserve a better reality.
With love,
Ms. Taylor
In Summary
This letter speaks to the fear and anxiety students face in today’s world, especially regarding safety in schools. It emphasizes the commitment of educators to protect their students and calls for a collective responsibility to address the ongoing issue of gun violence. It highlights the need for discussions about gun control to ensure a safer environment for learning.
Keyphrase
school safety and student well-being
Tags
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination