As the Indiana legislative session wraps up over the next few days, it is critically important that legislators continue to hear the voices of parents who understand the value of public education and the challenges faced by our local schools. PTA leaders intend to take part in the   Rally to Support Public Education to be held at the Indiana Statehouse at 3:00 on Tuesday, April 16.

The resolution passed this weekend will allow PTA leaders to spend Tuesday's rally asking legislators to oppose HB 1253: Firearms and Active Shooter Training for School Staff and Employees.

Photosensitive Epilepsy Resolution

Whereas, Photosensitive epilepsy is a form of epilepsy, that affects approximately one in 4,000 people (3-5% of those with epilepsy,) in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights; bold, regular patters; or regular moving patterns; and

Whereas, technology (such as the Harding test) exists that can analyze video conten for flashing and stationalrypatterns which may cause harm to those who have photosensitive epilepsy, and the use of such technology is required in other countries for all broadcast media and movies; and

Whereas, movies have been released in theaters in the United States that were marketed towards children and that have caused children with photosensitive epilepsy to experience seizures; and

Whereas, the consequences of having a seizure can be life-altering, including the loss of driving privileges; therefore be it

Resolved, that Indiana PT A supports legislation, policy or rules requiring that all broadcast medis and movies pass a Harding or similar test; and be it further

Resolved, that Indiana PTA supports legislation, policy, or rules requiring that any broascast media or movies that do not pass such a test to post conspicuous notice, and be it further

Resolved, that such notice shall be required to be posted on the entrances to the buildng and the entrances to the theater itself rather than just at the box office; and be it further

Resolved, that such notice shall be required to air directly prior to the beginning of any broadcast.

Arming Teachers Resolution

Whereas, The Indiana PTA believes that all students should have access to an educational environment that is a safe school climate, and

Whereas, Educators overwhelmingly reject the idea of arming teachers and other school staff, and

Whereas, teachers are not trained law enforcement officers and should not be asked or incentivized to keep weapons accessible in their classrooms, and

Whereas, the National Association of School Resource Officers and other law enforcement professionals fully trained and certified in the use of fire arms do not support the arming of educators or other educational support professionals, and

Whereas, an increase in firearms on campus creates a greater risk to students and staff by the possibility of accidental or intentional discharge of a firearm; therefore be it  

Resolved, that Indiana PTA is opposed to the arming of educators and education support professionals; and be it further

Resolved that Indiana PTA supports appropriate adequate new funds to allow school districts to plan and coordinate school security efforts with law enforcement officials; and be it further

Resolved, that Indiana PTA will support appropriate adequate new funds to allow school districts to increase the number of school police officers, counselors, psychologists, and social workers in our schools.

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For more information, contact VP of Advocacy Carissa Dollar or State Legislative Chair Rachel Burke.