WHEREAS, on June 12, 2016 in Orlando, Florida, a person using an assault rifle and a hand gun attacked a gay night club, shooting and killing 49 and injuring 53 individuals as they celebrated Latin night during Gay Pride Month; and

WHEREAS, vigils all across this country are being held in support of the families and victims of this terrible act; and

WHEREAS, many of the victims were of the LGBTQ Latino community

RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers condemns this heinous act and supports legislation to strengthen gun laws, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT sends the residents of Orlando its support at this difficult time; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT supports our national union, the AFT, in its work to resurrect the federal assault-weapons ban that expired in 2004 as well as that law’s limit on high-capacity magazines; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT continues to promote our members’ work teaching tolerance, respect, diversity and nonviolence in New York City schools; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers will proudly support and march in the 2016 Pride parade with our brothers and sisters in honor and memory of the Orlando victims.