The Violence-Free Schools Alliance is the first national organization solely dedicated to passing Educator's Bill of Rights legislation in every state and at the federal level.
The Violence-Free Schools Alliance exists to ensure that every educator in America can teach without fear of physical violence. We advocate for the passage of Educator's Bill of Rights legislation in all 50 states and in Congress, establishing that schools must be violence-free zones where students who commit acts of physical violence are removed to protect the safety and dignity of all.
Violence against educators is a national crisis. The American Psychological Association found that nearly 44% of teachers experienced verbal threats, physical assault, or property damage during the pandemic era. Rates of threatening behavior toward teachers have doubled since 2010. During the 2024-2025 school year, almost 50% of teachers and principals expressed concern about students being attacked or harmed at their schools.
Yet the response has been woefully inadequate. Restorative justice programs, while well-intentioned, have in many districts become a mechanism for returning violent students to the same classrooms where they assaulted educators. Teachers who report violence often face retaliation or are told to simply manage the behavior. Many leave the profession entirely.
Just as schools are gun-free zones, they should be violence-free zones. The Educator's Bill of Rights establishes a simple, enforceable standard: if a student commits an act of physical violence against any person on school grounds, that student is removed from the school for one calendar year. This applies regardless of the student's special education status. After one year, students may re-enroll under specified conditions including completion of behavioral intervention programs and a signed behavioral contract.
The physical safety of educators and students is non-negotiable. No educator should have to accept violence as part of their job.
Students and families must be held accountable for violent behavior. One strike means one strike — consequences must be clear, consistent, and enforced.
Every educator deserves protection regardless of their school's demographics, funding level, or location.
We believe systemic change requires law, not just policy. We pursue binding legislation at every level of government.
Teachers and staff must have the legal standing, institutional support, and collective voice to demand safe working conditions.
Data on school violence must be collected, reported, and made publicly available so communities can make informed decisions.
Our strategy is built on grassroots educator mobilization, state-by-state legislative campaigns, and a national media strategy that makes violence against educators impossible to ignore.
Building a membership base of educators, parents, and community members in every state. Every member is a constituent who can contact their legislator.
State-by-state introduction of the Educator's Bill of Rights, starting with the most favorable states and building momentum toward a federal bill.
Making the crisis of educator violence a top-tier national issue through data, stories, and relentless advocacy.
Educator safety is a bipartisan issue. In Texas, the Teacher Bill of Rights passed 124 to 20 with strong support from both parties. In Kentucky, a Democratic governor signed a bipartisan removal bill into law. Republicans support it for accountability and parental responsibility. Democrats support it for worker safety and educator retention.
VFSA seeks Republican and Democratic co-sponsors in every state. An issue that both parties own is an issue that gets passed.