Community Reflections on the Virginia Tech Tragedy
At Korean Women's Association of Washington
(KWA) Community Center
May 19th, 2007

The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs In collaboration with the Office of the Governor held roundtable meeting for the Community Reflections on the Virginia Tech Tragedy at the KWA (Korean Women's Association of Washington) Community Center in May 19th, 2007, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Special Guests speakers were: Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor Chris Gregiore's Office, Joyce Turner, and Vice President Pro Tempore, Higher Education Committee Members Chair, Senator Paull Shin. Senator Paull Shin and Deputy Chief of Staff both expressed their condolences to the victims, their families and friends who have lost loved ones. Senator Paull Shin addressed that The Washington State is making an extra effort to bringing up the early learning education K-12 & higher Education and working harder with Medical, Psychological needs and mental illness support.

KWA President Sandra Englund appreciated to the Senator Paull Shin, Deputy Chief of Staff Joyce Turner, and Ellen Abellera, executive director for the state’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Governor Chris Gregoire for their support and making this event possible. She mentioned that she sees positive reactions support from the communities, the Washington State Governor, Senators, President, even from the Korean President. KWA President, Sandra Englund expressed special thanks to the United States of America that they are not dealing as one person's nationality instead, they have warried Cho's illness and seeking for better resolutions in order to prevent for others.

Kathy Baros Fiedt Commission Chair for Human Rights Commission made special comments that the children need parents care and educating them in order to preventing the violation. KWA Board, Kyong Sook Said that we need brothers and sisters program. KWA President Sandra Englund said that we do have many programs like YMCA, Youth Group Program, and After school program which many children can involve these programs to keep them busy and for their education. In fact these programs may need more budget to support.

It reminded me that the American Montessori Society education for all children which they are start from birth to 18 years based on the following concepts: The aim of Montessori education is to foster competent, resonsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.

Ellen Abellera, executive director for the state’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affair mentioned that South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun expressed his deepest condolences and addressed to participate in a 32-day fast, one day for each victim.

In Washington State, Governor Chris Gregoire ordered to all state agencies lowering of the Washington State and United States Flags until the morning of Monday, April 23, 2007, in memory of the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy.

Korean American Communities in Washington State, outpouring of support from the community leaders from Korean American Tacoma, Seattle, KWA, include Korean American Coalition for and many others for victims at Virginia Tech.

The community and business leaders would like to see the school safety rules apply however it is continue to proceeding the Gun-Free Schools Act the control and supervision of the local educational agency for the purpose of student activities approved and authorized by the local educational agency.

Photos and Reported by Sandra Englund, May 20th, 2007

References:

http://www.governor.wa.gov/execorders/dir_07-03.pdf

The aim of Montessori education

http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg54.html