Protecting children is our common ground: Why we need the PLAN Act 

Every June, Father’s Day brings time-honored traditions to households across America — cards scribbled with children’s handwriting, phone calls across time zones, and a moment to reflect on the immense joy of being a parent. But for any dad, the day also carries a foundational responsibility — protecting our children.

As fathers, we share a bond that transcends politics. We are united by an unshakeable conviction: every child deserves to feel safe in their classroom. Protecting that safety is our shared duty — the ground on which we stand together. 

Today, we are not alone in our deep concern for children. According to the Pew Research Center, a staggering 70 percent of U.S. parents of K-12 students say they are actively concerned about the possibility of gun violence at their child’s school. No parent should feel a pit in their stomach when they drop their child off at the bus stop. No educator should have to scan the classroom for hiding places instead of focusing on lesson plans.

Thankfully, Congress and administrations from both parties have stepped up in recent years to make significant federal resources and safety grants available to schools nationwide. But a paradox has emerged. With hundreds of overlapping programs and an overwhelming flood of security technologies on the market, many school administrators are overwhelmed by options. Local leaders and school districts often find it challenging to identify the solutions that best meet their community’s needs, and even more........

© The Hill