media
March 31, 2023

NYSUT reacts to 'swatting' attacks statewide

Source:  NYSUT Media Relations
Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYSUT President Andy Pallotta at Firday's briefing on school safety.
Caption: Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYSUT President Andy Pallotta at Friday's briefing on school safety. Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

UPDATE: Monday, April 10

Pallotta joins Sen. Schumer's press conference on school safety in response to swatting incidents


UPDATE: Friday, March 31

Pallotta joins Gov' Hochul's meeting on school safety

NYSUT President Andy Pallotta joined state education leaders and public safety officials for Gov. Kathy Hochul's meeting to reinforce plans for student safety in response to recent swatting calls to schools in New York State.

More details about the meeting are here, including a letter to school officials on reviewing school preparedness and safety measures.

Pallotta noted: "We've said it over and over again: The safety of our schoolchildren is the top priority for educators throughout the state. We appreciate the governor's swift attention to this matter and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and school administrators to take any threats to our schools seriously. We must unite to do everything we can to keep our public schools safe and welcoming environments for all."


ORIGINAL STATEMENT

NYSUT reacts to 'swatting' attacks statewide

Albany, NY, March 30, 2023 — New York State United Teachers released the following response to numerous “swatting” calls aimed at schools throughout the state today, on the heels of a similar round of hoaxes in suburban Rochester last week.

“As our nation reels and mourns schoolchildren lost in yet another mass shooting, today’s incidents are a new low in callousness and depravity. These swatting attacks endanger our brave members of law enforcement, terrorize children, educators and parents, and waste valuable resources. We know the FBI and local law enforcement are doing everything they can to catch these perpetrators, and we look forward to the day when they are brought to justice.”

New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.