A Message from JNCL-NCLIS President Amanda Seewald Addressing the Tragedy in Uvalde, TX
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C, May 26, 2022 -- It is with excruciating sadness and anger that we find ourselves in the position to state the obvious in response to the violent school attack in Uvalde, TX: Our teachers and students should be able to grow and learn together, without fear, without terror, and without trauma. All teachers and students should not only have access to fair and equitable facilities, materials, and learning experiences, but should also be in a space that is safe, secure, and nurturing. Safety is a fundamental right that everyone, especially children, must have protected, and no group, no business, no ideal should obstruct that right.
Uvalde, TX is a school community with multicultural and multilingual strength at the heart of their district, evident even in the multilingual design features of Robb Elementary School. This community is an example of why we advocate that uplifting multilingual learning is an expression of respect and human dignity. This world must be a place where our children can see their dreams, reach for them, and not live or learn in fear.
To our teachers, students, and advocates across the country who are experiencing grief, I want you to know that JNCL-NCLIS stands with you. We are beside you ready to continue to advocate for the mutual respect that is fostered by multilingual and multicultural learning opportunities. As we mourn the inexplicable loss experienced this week and send strength to Uvalde, we will use our voice to make clear to our policymakers that a safe and supportive space must be defined for our teachers and students.
RESOURCES:
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (available in Spanish as well): School Shooting Resouces
Texas Education Agency: Grief Informed & Trauma Informed Practices
National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
American Psychological Association: Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a School Shooting
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About JNCL-NCLIS:
Established in 1972, the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL) and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (NCLIS) unites a national network of leading organizations and businesses comprised of over 300,000 language professionals to advocate for equitable language learning opportunities. Our mission is to ensure that Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language.
Contact: info@languagepolicy.org
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