"You are receiving this email because you opted to receive information from OSPI about this topic. To manage your subscriptions, click here [ [link removed] ]."
"Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ]."
OSPI Default Header
Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s Statement on Today’s Senseless Tragedy in Georgia
Superintendent Chris Reykdal
*OLYMPIA—September 4, 2024—*Over the past few weeks, millions of children across the country have returned to school, excited for another year of learning. Today, in the midst of this joy, we are reminded of the senseless tragedy that can strike during these precious moments.
My heart is shattered for the victims of today’s tragedy and their families. School is supposed to be a safe place, where students learn and engage with their peers, and where educators and school staff do one of the most important jobs in the world.
I’m proud of the steps we have taken in Washington state to reduce gun violence—not just on our school campuses, but in our communities as a whole. According to research by Everytown for Gun Safety, Washington state ranks #9 for the strength of our gun safety laws.
In recent years, the Legislature has enacted laws requiring background checks for all gun sales, allowing for temporary restrictions on gun access for those in extreme risk, banning the sale and manufacture of assault weapons, and prohibiting the carry of firearms at public demonstrations. The Legislature also requires Washingtonians to be at least 18 years of age to purchase a gun and has instituted mandatory waiting period requirements for gun purchases.
For our schools, the Legislature has made essential changes in recent years to our laws and resources to support school safety. Every Washington school is required to have a threat assessment plan and a comprehensive school safety plan, and the Legislature has provided additional funding for the staff in schools dedicated to supporting students’ physical, social, and emotional health. The Legislature has also expanded the training requirements for school safety staff.
Even with these progressive measures in place, tragedy can––and has––strike in Washington state. Across the U.S., young people simply have too much access to deadly firearms, and we must treat it like the public health crisis that it is.
This nation is past due for more common-sense gun legislation. These measures have been proven to reduce gun violence deaths, and they keep our children and our communities safe.
We have got to do better.
________________________________________________________________________
*ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
*
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.
OSPI Building Entrance
*STAY IN TOUCH
*Website [ [link removed] ] | LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] | Facebook [ [link removed] ] | Instagram [ [link removed] ] | YouTube [ [link removed] ] | Contact Us [ [link removed] ]
*SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
*Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.
"OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Equity and Civil Rights Director, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, 360-725-6162 (TTY: 360-664-3631),
[email protected]. "
"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider."
________________________________________________________________________
This email was sent to
[email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction · 600 Washington St. S.E. · Olympia, WA 98504 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}