Courtesy of Charles County Public Schoolsย 

WALDORF, Md. โ€“ย On March 28, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) participated in round table discussions on school safety with students, parents, teachers, and school staff from Charles County Public Schools.

โ€œIt is unacceptable that there has been, on average, one school shooting each week of this year,โ€ said Congressman Hoyer. โ€œEnsuring our students feel safe in their schools must remain our top priority, and I was grateful for the opportunity to have a frank conversation with students, parents, teachers, staff members, and school administrators from Charles County Public Schools. Every student deserves to go to school without fearing for his or her safety, and Congress must take steps to prevent gun violence.โ€

โ€œAll of us in Southern Maryland were shocked and deeply saddened by the shooting at Great Mills High School last week,โ€ continued Congressman Hoyer. โ€œOur prayers continue to be with the family and friends of Jaelynn Willey, as well as Desmond Barnes and the entire Great Mills community. I am so encouraged by the students of Southern Maryland, who have joined their peers around the nation in raising their voices and calling for action to address gun violence.โ€

โ€œThere are commonsense measures that Congress can pass to end this epidemic, including strengthening background checks and banning assault weapons,โ€ concluded Congressman Hoyer. โ€œIโ€™ll continue to urge the Majority in Congress to listen to students who are demanding change and allow a vote on these measures. I want to thank Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Hall, Principal Richard Conley, and Sheriff Troy Berry and for hosting todayโ€™s important conversation.โ€