SEA Student Support Resolution

---

Support the SEA Student Support Resolution by filling out this google form.  We will add your name to the list of names at the bottom of supporters!

To add your name in support of this resolution, click here!!

---

Spokane Education Association Resolution

March 5, 2018

Whereas, the current and past generations of political leaders have failed to protect our students against the domestic terrorism in our nation's schools; and

Whereas, our students and members are more threatened by a school shooting in Spokane, WA than an international terrorist attack; and

Whereas, student activist groups of a new generation are stepping forward to take leadership in tackling gun violence, an issue our politicians have not had the political will to confront; and

Whereas, it is the job of educators to teach students, and the best way to teach them is authentically supporting and training students to use their voice and to lead; and

Whereas, the Women's March Youth Empower Organization is calling for a 17 minute student walkout at 10:00am on March 14^th, the one month anniversary of the murder of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL; and

Whereas, the brave and civic-minded students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are organizing a MARCH FOR OUR LIVES on March 24^th; and

Whereas, the National Education Association is calling on locals to participate in the student-led National Day of Action on April 20^th, the 19th Anniversary of the Mass Murder at Columbine High School; and

Whereas, our elected representatives in Congress are not acting with urgency to craft legislation to significantly reduce gun violence; and

Whereas, educators see no greater value to our society than the students to whom we have dedicated our lives; and

Whereas, it is the policy of Spokane Public Schools to teach our students how to appropriately advocate for change;

Therefore, be it resolved, the Spokane Education Association fully supports current and future youth organizers, locally and throughout the country, in their efforts to bring about change by raising awareness of gun violence through their actions and civic engagement.  To this end, the SEA pledges supportive action.

Be it further resolved, the Executive Board of the Spokane Education Association directs our union to take the following actions:

• Take supportive action for any non-violent collective action, organized by the students of Spokane Public Schools, related to ending gun violence in schools
• Regularly inform the membership of local actions taking place related to ending gun violence in schools and give a report at the March representative council meeting detailing SEA's progress on current organizing around the issue of gun violence in schools
• Engage in dialogue with the school District, with the goal of working collaboratively to participate in the 17 minute walkout at the high schools on March 14^th and to have similar developmentally appropriate actions at the middle and elementary schools
  • In the event a staff participation agreement cannot be reached, SEA members will be encouraged to show support for the action by wearing 'Freeman Blue' and participating in '17 Acts of Kindness'.
• Participate in the local MARCH FOR OUR LIVES event on March 24^th  by serving as 'Peacekeepers' for student participants
• Inform the District that the SEA will participate in an action on April 20^th, the nature and appropriateness of which will be determined by the membership

Spokane Education Association Executive Board