(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - The Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) is calling the violence that is occurring in and around schools “a National Crisis” that requires Presidential and Congressional intervention. 

“Violence, anger and disruptive behaviors are infecting our students/children, leading to violence in and around our schools,” BTF President Phil Rumore said.  “This is a National Crisis involving the well-being of our children that must be immediately addressed by the President and Congress of the United States.  We call for all to join with us to secure earmarked Federal funding so that our students/children/communities are safe from violence and disruption.”

As a result, the BTF’s Executive Committee and Council of Delegates unanimously passed a resolution calling on President Joe Biden and Congress to address this crisis, as the continued violence, anger and disruptive behavior are having a harmful impact on school children:

WHEREAS: Violence, anger and disruptive behaviors are harmfully infecting our students/children, and

WHEREAS: It is critical that we realize that the resulting and too-often fatal incidents in our schools and on our school grounds are occurring across the United States, and

WHEREAS: This is a National Crisis involving the well-being of our children that must immediately be addressed by the President and Congress of the United States as well as other relevant agencies.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the BTF will take the following action(s):

Earmarked Federal funding for School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, School Attendance Teachers, etc., with a defined caseload, e.g. 120/1.

Earmarked Federal funding to provide sufficient Security Personnel who will also be trained to gain the confidence of students to relate any concerns.

Earmarked Federal funding for community organizations that have experience working with students to prevent acts of violence and disruption.

Earmarked Federal funding to provide metal detectors for any District/School that needs them, without taking away from other students’ educational needs/programs.

De-escalating techniques for all Staff and parents.

And other critical school security needs identified by a school district.

To accomplish this, the BTF will work with its New York State and National affiliates, State and Federal legislators and other individuals and organizations.