School Leaders Applaud U.S. Department of Justice Decision to Address Violent Threats Against School Leaders and Teachers
Reston, VA—The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) lauds the Justice Department’s announcement that the FBI will work with federal attorneys, as well as state and local leaders, to discuss strategies for countering threats against principals, teachers, school board members, and other educators.
For weeks, NASSP has been calling on federal officials to protect school leaders from rampant hostility and violence that disrupts our schools and threatens the safety of our educators and students. Some NASSP members have been faced with hostile community members, threats to their own safety or safety of their school, and non-compliance with rules that are meant to keep us all safe.
“School leaders have made their voices heard,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “We thank the Justice Department for deciding to act, and we thank our members for their bravery in sharing their stories and advocating for action.”
“It’s alarming when you face personal and professional threats for just doing your job,” said Bill Ziegler, principal of Pottsgrove High School in Pottsgrove, PA and NASSP board member. “The safety of my students, staff and school community is of the utmost importance. Schools need to be conducive to teaching, learning and collaboration, and I welcome the federal help to counter threats that individuals are making against our schools that are disrupting learning and potentially harming dedicated educators.”
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About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of middle level and high school principals and other school leaders across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council.