GLSEN Condemns NRA Proposal to Place Armed Guards in All Schools

NEW YORK - December 21, 2012 - GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard issued the following statement in response to the National Rifle Association's proposal to put armed guards in all schools in the wake of the massacre in Newtown, CT:

"Today's nightmarish and irresponsible proposal from NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre reflects a grotesque vision of the world and a willingness to sacrifice children's healthy development for the sake of protecting civilian access to military weapons. It also betrays his complete disconnection from the realities of K-12 education and healthy child development. True security is grounded in healthy communities of respect, protected by common-sense regulations and real civic responsibility outside the schoolhouse doors, not by armed camps within them."

ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.