The Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart community is reeling from the horrendous massacre of children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts break for every child, teacher, and family member who suffered in this brutal attack.
As we have done in the aftermath of previous school shootings, we join schools nationwide in weeping, praying, and comforting one another. Yet it is not enough to reassure the students that they are safe. We all have security, safety plans, and lockdown drills. Yet it is not enough to protect those that come into school buildings each day.
We must take back our schools. The seemingly unstoppable violence and loss of precious lives in our schools and communities must end and we need to work together urgently on solutions. Each one of us can be empowered, not helpless, by connecting with and supporting one another, participating in community events and meetings, demanding elected officials pass gun reform legislation, and speaking up immediately when something seems wrong. This is our shared responsibility. It begins with each one of us.