Takac expresses support for State College Area School District students’ walkout to protest gun violence
Rep. Paul Takac April 6, 2023 | 2:14 PM
STATE COLLEGE, April 6 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, expressed his support for the State College Area School District students who participated in yesterday’s national walkout campaign to reject gun violence in schools.
“No one, especially a child, should have to deal with the fear and trauma of a potential active shooter in their school – or anywhere else for that matter,” Takac said. “I believe we are failing in our fundamental responsibility to ensure the health, welfare and safety of everyone in our community by continuing to tolerate the intolerable. I feel it is our urgent duty to address the intersection of guns, education and mental health.
“I support commonsense legislation, such as keeping weapons out of the hands of those who pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others, those who are ineligible due to prior convictions or existing medical conditions and those who are either unwilling or unable to safely and responsibly secure those weapons.
“I welcome and respect the activism shown by the students at the State College Area School District and elsewhere to make their voices heard and to rally against school violence and threats to the safety and well-being of students, educators and staff.”
Gretchen Brandt, vice president of the State College Area School District Board of Directors, said, “SCASD students are shining examples of student activism. The board has worked with students from Students Demand Action to provide communication about safe gun storage, and the board values student voices immensely. Today’s walkout is further evidence of their passion about this issue. Students are tired of waiting for gun laws to change. Political participation such as this is vital to our democracy and sends a powerful message to lawmakers that students want change now.”
Takac also cited concerns over related swatting incidents across Pennsylvania, including those at the Bellefonte Area School District.