Tim Walz responded to Republicans with a powerful message on Saturday following Senator JD Vance’s comments on the tragic school shooting in Georgia.
During a speech at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner in Washington, D.C., the Minnesota governor criticized right-wing efforts to ban books by highlighting a law he signed that prohibits book bans in libraries in his state.
Walz humorously mentioned the controversy surrounding the children’s book “And Tango Makes Three,” where two male penguins form a loving relationship, and debunked the notion that such content could influence children’s sexual orientation, stating, “It’s a fact of life that some people are gay. But you know what’s not a fact of life? Our children being gunned down in schools.”
These remarks came in response to JD Vance’s recent comments at an Arizona rally, where he expressed discomfort with the prevalence of school shootings but emphasized the need to enhance school security to prevent such tragedies.
Vance faced criticism for his stance, and the Associated Press reposted his comments, sparking a debate on school safety measures and gun control.
Walz’s speech coincided with the aftermath of the Apalachee High School shooting, where two students and two teachers lost their lives, adding to the alarming statistics of school shootings in the U.S.
Support Free Journalism
Support HuffPost
Walz further criticized the prioritization of book bans over enhancing school safety, emphasizing the need to create a safe environment for children without compromising their educational and personal development.
He reassured the audience that ensuring the safety and well-being of children should be a top priority, advocating for inclusivity and protection within the education system.