Enough!

It is difficult to contain my anger over yet another senseless slaughter—the latest one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. As of this writing, there have been 17 school-related shootings.

As a retired teacher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, I can’t even begin to imagine what those left behind are suffering. Why does this keep happening? When will the madness stop? And the most important question: What can we do about it? As I watched thousands of students, educators, parents, and other activists from across the U.S. and the world participate last month in “March for Our Lives” events, my anger over this national crisis was tempered by an urgent, personal responsibility to take action.

I’ve been profoundly inspired by the students who lived through the horror in Parkland. They started a grassroots movement calling loudly for safe schools, neighborhoods, and communities. They have refused to allow the deaths of their friends and educators become a notation in a history book. No. “Enough is enough,” they say. Bravo for them. I hope legislators realize these bright, energetic, and determined young people are present and future voters.

We honor these wondrous young activists and acknowledge their enormous courage to stand up and demand their inalienable right to a great public school and a safe learning environment.

I’m also inspired by the leadership of NEA and President Lily and her team. NEA has offered financial help and emotional guidance to students and educators during this difficult time.

As for NEA-Retired, we celebrate our 35th year of service this summer at the Representative Assembly in Minneapolis. Please join us as we greet old friends and meet the challenges of the next 35 years. Go, Team NEA-Retired!