Recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 3, 2022 and Wear Orange Weekend June 3-5, 2022

The first Friday in June is recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Also known as Wear Orange Day, it was first organized by students to memorialize the 2013 death of their friend and gun violence victim, 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton. After her death, they asked us to stand up, speak out, and Wear Orange to raise awareness.

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. Every year, 18,000 children and teens are shot and killed or wounded and approximately 3 million are exposed to gun violence. Exposure to gun violence has long lasting impacts on the safety and well-being of our youth.

In 2021 there were at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 49 deaths and 126 injuries nationally. Every student and staff member deserves a safe educational environment. Sadly, the threat of gun violence for them has grown across the country.

The School Board recognizes National Gun Violence Awareness Day to raise awareness of the issue and the importance of preventing and eliminating gun violence in schools and communities and encourages all to wear orange on June 3, 2022, for National Gun Violence Awareness and Wear Orange Day.