Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on Monday’s fatal school shooting in St. Louis:
The labor movement is deeply saddened and angered by the senseless killing of a student and a teacher at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School. We extend our condolences to the families of Jean Kuczka, a dedicated physical education teacher and member of the American Federation of Teachers, and student Alexzandria Bell, who had a bright future and was just shy of her 16th birthday; we express our gratitude to the first responders for their bravery. Gun violence, which has no place in our schools or communities, has become far too common. Our educators, our children and their parents should not feel as though they are risking their lives each time they step foot into a classroom. They deserve to have the safety and freedom to work and learn without fear. Nationally, there have been more than 545 mass shootings since January of this year—an unacceptable and unconscionable number. Now is the time for action, and we call on our legislators in Washington and at every level to take action to ensure that our schools and workplaces are safe places for everyone.
Contact: Danielle Noel, 202-637-5018