1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

In light of ongoing school shootings, the decision to cut funding from the Department of Education has raised significant concerns. Historically, Republican leaders have resisted implementing stricter gun control measures, often citing the need for improved mental health resources instead. This stance has led to bipartisan agreement on the importance of providing mental health care in public schools, with the belief that such resources could help mitigate the risk of school shootings. However, with the potential closure of the Department of Education and the accompanying funding cuts, critical questions arise regarding the future of mental health support for students. How will public schools be able to support their students without adequate funding? Furthermore, what measures will be taken to address the ongoing issue of school shootings without any gun control initiatives? As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for mental health services for our children. Living in Texas, I experienced the devastating aftermath of a tragic school shooting a few years ago. Unfortunately, little has changed since those events, despite the promises of thoughts and prayers from leaders. The current actions of the Republican Party risk creating an unsafe educational environment for our students. It appears that political interests are being prioritized over the well-being of our children. If these harmful decisions persist, constituents may reconsider their support during the next election cycle. As we encourage our children to "do better and be better," the same standard should apply to elected officials. It is crucial that they prioritize the safety and mental health of our students over personal and political gain. sone