Founded in April 2019, the NASSP Principal Recovery Network (PRN) is a national network of current and former school leaders who have experienced gun violence tragedies in their buildings. Together, the PRN seeks to assist principals in the immediate aftermath of a crisis and well beyond. PRN members reach out directly to their colleagues to provide much-needed support, share the combined wisdom of their experience with the larger principal community through various outlets, assist schools during recovery, and advocate for national school safety enhancements and violence prevention programs.

The shooting in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022, was the 27th school shooting this year and one of hundreds since the massacre at Columbine High School 23 years ago. Members of NASSP’s Principal Recovery Network have written a powerful letter begging elected officials to do something to prevent our kids and educators from being murdered in school. Read the letter and act now.

As LGBTQ+ Pride Month rolls around this year, students across the U.S. are reminded that there is so much left to do to advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. I share my friend’s story not to disparage his principal, but to offer educators some insight from a student perspective. After all, when we know better, we can do better.