PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2025) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur Steinberg on the reported homicide of a 17-year-old student who attended Fels High School:
“We are devastated that senseless gun violence has claimed the life of another Philadelphia public school student. Every child deserves the freedom to learn, mature, and thrive without the threat of violence.
“Our thoughts are with the survivors of the 17-year-old child who was reportedly killed near his home in Feltonville this morning. We also extend our sympathies and support to the teachers and staff at Fels High School who poured themselves into him, who by the school’s account was a high-achieving student with great potential. Our union’s resources including trauma support are available to all members.
“While the historic decline in homicides in Philadelphia is a tremendous achievement, every preventable act of violence is unacceptable. We will continue to work with government officials at all levels who have the courage and integrity to fight for commonsense regulations of firearms and investments in children and youth in order to save lives and prevent further tragedy.”
