DFER South President Alisha Thomas Searcy Calls for Urgent Action Following Apalachee High School Tragedy

DFER South President Alisha Thomas Searcy Calls for Urgent Action Following Apalachee High School Tragedy

Thomas-Searcy emphasizes the need for common-sense gun control and mental health support, urging communities to stand together against violence in schools.

(September 5, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia) — In the wake of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) South President Alisha Thomas Searcy, released the following statement:

“As an educator, as a former state representative—and most of all, as a parent with children in Georgia’s public schools—yesterday’s tragedy at Apalachee High School has left me both completely heartbroken and deeply frustrated. Furthermore, the continuation of devastating incidents like this leaves me grappling with ongoing feelings of helplessness—overwhelmed by the senseless violence taking place in our communities. Yet, I refuse to allow this sense of powerlessness to immobilize me, and I look to my fellow community members, parents, families, and courageous educators and students themselves, to join me in calling on leadership to enact real change. 

Let me be clear: tragedies like these are not normal; and we must never let ourselves be persuaded that they are. As the media moves on to the next headline, we cannot allow this horrific event to become just another day in America. We must remember and honor the victims—the two bright young students with bright futures, the two respected educators, the families now torn apart, and the lives forever altered. We must also push for policies that protect our students: policies that prioritize their mental health, ensure they feel safe in their classrooms, and address the urgent need for common-sense gun control.

We owe it to our communities and to our children to fight tirelessly for a future wherein they have a future.”

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