In the wake of the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, many school districts are re-evaluating their safety protocols and procedures. Some Texas Republican lawmakers also weighed in saying a possible solution could be arming teachers. According to a survey by the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT), 77% of respondents do not want to be armed to confront a shooter in their schools. Many school districts are increasing officers' presence at campuses. However, many students, families, and community groups argue against the presence of school resource officers indicating police on campus "does more harm than they do good," especially for students of color who are disproportionately arrested or disciplined. 

 

Students' health, wellness, and safety involves a campus- and community-wide commitment to addressing and understanding issues that result to negative coping process. Mental health issues are becoming more common in children and adolescents in the US and around-the-world, with COVID-19 adding another layer of fear and uncertainty on our minds. The controversial topics related to wearing masks and getting vaccinated got politicized and created more division in our communities. Schools and policy-makers need to realize that teaching a comprehensive curriculum, including diverse history, social emotional learning, physical and mental health leads to better outcomes for children and adolescents. 

Join us with subject matter experts sharing their knowledge and wisdom, followed by listening circles for everyone to discuss, learn, unlearn, and share together. 

 

Panelists
Bavu Blakes, Lead Partner, Transforming Education & Educational Consultant

Tiffanie Harrison, Educator, Entreprenuer, Equity; RRISD Board Trustee
Lily Trieu, Interim ED, Texas Asians for Justice

Christine Steenport, Assistant Superintendent of Operations at AISD

Anticipated agenda:
5:00pm - Doors Open/Networking
5:30~7:00pm - Panel Discussion
7:00~7:30pm - Listening Circles with Audience
7:30~8:00pm - Networking/Cleanup

As an organization that supports and serves the vulnerable population, we encourage mask-wearing indoors (while not eating) at our events. And, we kindly ask anyone experiencing any COVID symptoms to rest up and get better at home and to join the live-streamed panel discussion on our Facebook page 

Thank you to Greater Mt. Zion for sharing your beautiful space; E3Alliance for sponsoring the food and drinks; and Texas A&M Health for supporting this panel discussion and FREE family-friendly community-building event.