WHEREAS New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on January 15, 2013, signed into law the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act (NY SAFE Act); and
WHEREAS the SAFE Act aims to make our state a safer place to live and to set a national standard for comprehensive protections against gun violence that could help to prevent mass shootings such as those that have recently plagued our country; and
WHEREAS the Governor and state Legislature enacted this law in the wake of a national tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, when 20 first-grade students, four teachers, a principal and a school psychologist were gunned down; and
WHEREAS the SAFE Act is designed to reduce gun violence through common-sense reforms that include keeping guns out of the hands of convicted felons and potentially dangerous mental health patients, banning high-capacity magazines and assault weapons; ensuring gun purchases are subject to background checks; and toughening criminal penalties against those who use illegal guns; and
WHEREAS the SAFE Act respects the right to bear arms and the interests of hunters, sportsmen, and legal owners who use their guns appropriately; and
WHEREAS powerful pro-gun lobbying groups and big gun companies that fight even the most reasonable protections against gun violence are whipping up opposition to the SAFE Act, and in February held a mass rally in Albany against the law; and
WHEREAS it is critical in light of this powerful opposition that supporters of reasonable efforts to reduce gun violence show support for the law; and
WHEREAS a broad coalition of civil rights organizations, unions, faith-based groups, community representatives and others are planning a mass rally in New York City to demonstrate public support for the SAFE Act;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:
THAT the United Federation of Teachers will actively participate in the rally planned for Thursday, March 21, at 4:30 p.m. at the Harlem State Office Building, 163 W. 125th Street, New York City; and
THAT the UFT will serve as a full partner in this rally including by helping to drive member turnout; and
THAT we participate to give meaning to the deaths of thousands of children and adults in New York and across our country from gun violence, and to help prevent further gun violence from harming any others, including the children and adults whom we as educators, nurses, therapists and child care providers work every day to nurture and protect.