Cal Poly School of Education Equity & Inclusion Committee’s Statement on Robb Elementary School Massacre in Uvalde
Posted May 27, 2022
In the wake of preventable gun violence that took the lives of 19 children and 2 adults on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the Cal Poly School of Education Equity & Inclusion Committee stands in solidarity with the Uvalde community, the families, and friends of Robb Elementary School and the people of Texas. We repudiate these horrific acts of violence against children and fellow educators. We know that thoughts and prayers are not enough. Actions must be taken to address this country’s unmatched history of gun violence and prevent further massacres from happening.
In 2022 there have been more mass shootings than days in the year. It has been almost a decade since the mass shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School, taking the lives of 20 children and 6 adults. In less than one decade, there have been 948 school shootings in the United States. Currently, firearms are the number one leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. This is unacceptable, and a nation’s government should never sit idly with that statistic.
Since the shooting at Sandy Hook, no effective legislation has been passed to regulate gun ownership and end gun violence. We know that the United States is the only country to have frequent, normalized gun violence occur daily. Based on data, research, and models from other countries, we also know that gun violence is preventable.
We acknowledge that school shootings, and gun violence are not new, and should have been adequately addressed decades ago. We call on those in power to take immediate action at the local, state, and national levels to end this aberrant wave of shootings and the devastation these crises have on our communities. The School of Education also urges that our community members demand change. Actions that can be taken include, but are not limited to:
The history of gun violence, mass shootings and school massacres in the United States is exhausting. No society should have to endure such loss, fear and angst over targeted acts that are preventable. We recognize that we all need to take time to process this trauma, while simultaneously fearing that another act of gun violence will occur if nothing changes. We must keep taking actions to end gun violence, just as we continue to take actions to end racism, sexism, ableism, antisemitism, anti-queerness, transphobia, and all the forms of injustice.
We grieve deeply with Uvalde, Texas, and hold their community in our hearts and thoughts.
Resources for Coping:
Data Sources:
SOE Statement of Solidarity with Black Lives
Posted June 2020
The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery weigh heavily and painfully, but they are only the latest in a historical legacy of anti-black violence and murder. Their deaths at the hands of white supremacy and police brutality compel the faculty, staff, and students in the School of Education to reaffirm our commitment to social and racial justice.
At this moment, our country is on fire, it is important that we do not get lost in the smoke but remember that the fire is fueled by systemic racism. Black people in the United States have suffered centuries of intergenerational trauma. The litany of horrendous, violent crimes against them has never been fully acknowledged. The pernicious and insidious currents of white supremacy have long resulted in impromptu reactions and strategic uprisings. Collectively and individually, we hold ourselves accountable by continuing to disrupt systems of oppression and anti-blackness in our schools and communities. We stand in solidarity with Black lives.
To others who wish to join in these efforts, we invite you to engage with the following resources in order to: recognize the historical legacy of anti-black violence in the United States, examine how white supremacy has impacted your own life, validate the lived experiences of Black folx in your community, and support or join activist organizations that fight for racial justice.
Resources
Statement of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Posted March 2021
Dear SOE Community,
The recent murders at massage spas in Atlanta are devastating, and we collectively mourn the loss of eight people who cared for and were loved deeply by others. White supremacy, misogyny and racism towards Asian and Asian American communities continue to enact horrors in our country and remind us of the challenges we face in our fight for a more socially and racially just society.
The SOE Equity and Inclusion Committee stands in solidarity with the AAPI community and condemns the violence in Atlanta as well as all recent anti-Asian hate crimes that have occurred in the wake of COVID-19. As professionals in the field of education, we have a responsibility to teach about Asian American history and identity in the United States and create culturally sustaining curriculum and spaces that ensure AAPI students are both seen and safe in our schools and universities.
Below we offer resources to our SOE community to aid us in our work to condemn racism and create more equitable and inclusive communities.
K-12 Teaching Resources
Resources for Educators
Resources for Counselors
In community,
The SOE Equity and Inclusion Committee
