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Viewpoint

Other speakers who were classroom

teachers shared their experiences with
their students. One reported that her
students and she are now frightened
when someone walks by their classroom
window; when a student dropped a
stainless-steel water bottle, they all
jumped, fearing it might be a gunshot.
Another teacher reported that her co-
teacher carries a baseball bat with him
to protect the children from harm when
he takes them outdoors. Yet another
stated, “The other day I had to talk to
my children about what to do if they
hear gunshots while at an event or
Mary Stayner, DKGILSO
outside at recess. They are 6 and 8. This
is not OK. I cannot get the visual of the
child who had to cover herself in her
classmate’s blood and play dead out of
my head.”
The teachers who spoke had
participants in tears as they described
the trauma involved in responding to
violence in the schools. One participant
stated that attending the virtual march
was very moving: “The one image that
sticks with me is of Lisa mentioning
that the teacher across the hall had a bat
in his closet to defend his classroom.”
Virtual March
Messages: The DKG Virtual March Moving Forward—Calls to Action
Participants were
asked to share In addition to telling their stories, several involved in the March put forth
their feelings and calls to action. Sakina McGruder urged participants to find a way to reduce fear,
solutions to the stating that “it is very difficult as an educator to teach with fear.” Pat Neal stated
problems through that the most important thing a teacher can do today is to help a child feel safe.
signs and posters. In addition, she urged participants to keep speaking out until someone hears our
voices and listens to what we have to say. Linda McCrary stated that when we
lose focus and forget why we must continue, we should envision our children
crawling under their desks and smearing themselves with the blood of their dead
friends to survive. She added, “schools should be safe havens.”
Speakers also emphasized communicating with legislators. Dr. Vinni Hall
stated that we must meet with and educate legislators and policy makers. “If they
won’t give us a seat at the table, we must bring a folding chair. We must be a nation
of WE’s, NOT I’s.” Participants in the March were advised to convince five friends
to call and request their legislators to act through PREVENTION. Lisa Caputo
Love shared that we need investments in prevention. We must reach out to others,
take advantage of the momentum ... and don’t avoid the conversations.

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