Boston Teachers Union Endorses Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts

Boston Teachers Union Endorses Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts

Boston Teachers Union emphasizes the importance of gun violence prevention efforts to protect students and teachers throughout Massachusetts

Tuesday, September 15, Boston – Today, the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), representing over 10,000 teachers and education professionals, announced its endorsement of Vote Yes for a Safe Massachusetts, demonstrating strong support from Boston’s educators to uphold the critical protections included in Massachusetts' landmark 2024 gun safety law.

An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws established critical protections against untraceable ghost guns and conversion kits that transform semi-automatic weapons into machine guns; expanded Extreme Risk Protection Orders that help educators and health professionals prevent gun suicides and mass shootings; created a public dashboard to help track firearms used in crimes; and much more. Opponents of the law – backed by the gun lobby – subsequently launched a repeal effort, placing the issue before voters on the November 2026 ballot.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Boston Teachers Union,” said Ruth Zakarin, Chair of the Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts campaign. “Educators are on the front lines of community safety and understand what keeps our classrooms, students, and families safe. Support from the BTU adds to the number of labor unions backing the Yes on 9 campaign, and sends a powerful message that protecting our existing gun safety laws is essential to the wellbeing of frontline workers, educators, students, and communities across the Commonwealth.”

“Every student, teacher, and education professional should be able to go to school and home without fear of gun violence,” said BTU President Erik Berg. “As educators, we see the impact of our state’s safety policies every day. We know how much progress has been made – and how much work remains left to do. Massachusetts is a national leader on gun violence prevention because of our strong gun safety policies and committed prevention work. We need to continue building on that work – we can’t afford to go backwards. We are proud to stand with Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts to ensure we can continue this life-saving work.”

“When a student loses a parent, sibling, friend, or loved one to gun violence, their grief follows them into their classrooms, their relationships, and their lives. That kind of loss changes a young person’s sense of safety and stability instantly, and the impact can stay with them forever,” added Lea Serena, Vice President of the BTU. “We do everything we can to support our students through unimaginable grief, and it’s critical that we take every step possible to prevent any more young people from experiencing it in the first place.”

Massachusetts consistently ranks among the states with the lowest rates of gun deaths in the nation, reflecting decades of strong gun safety policies and investments in violence prevention. Preserving the 2024 law is critical to maintaining that success, preventing future tragedies, and continuing the work to make all of our communities safe from gun violence. Today's endorsements further expand the broad coalition supporting Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts, including labor unions, elected officials, advocacy groups, and individuals across the state.