A national organization dedicated to preventing gun violence in schools says it will be providing training and other educational materials for North Carolina students after the shooting death of a student at Butler High School in Matthews.
Sandy Hook Promise, which was formed after the 2012 mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, said in a statement that it was partnering with several SAVE Promise Clubs in schools across the state. SAVE, or Students Against Violence Everywhere, is a national organization with student-run chapters across the country.
“In light of the shooting and firearm-related incidents that happened in the Charlotte-area earlier this month, including the tragic shooting that happened at Butler High School, we are eager to empower North Carolina students to Know the Signs to help prevent further school shootings, reduce bullying, and help create an environment of connectedness and inclusion,” said Nicole Hockley, the co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise.
Hockley’s son Dylan was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting that claimed 26 lives, including 20 children.
“Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school, as schools should be safe havens in every community,” Hockley added.
Sandy Hook Promise lists 27 middle and high schools it will work with, including West Charlotte High School and Harding University High School in Charlotte; Weddington Middle School in Matthews; and Harris Road Middle School, JN Fries Middle School and Winkler Middle School in Concord.