With video footage of the traffic stop and fatal beating of Tyre Nichols expected to be released this evening, communities nationwide are yet again faced with trying to process an act of violence with impacts that reach far beyond Memphis, Tenn.

Some education leaders may feel moved to share their districts' perspectives with students, families and staff on these events, as well as on the impacts of the footage that could give rise to local protests, demonstrations or other civic action.

NSPRA provides members with samples and resources related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Crisis, Health and Safety Communications, which includes the subsections Supporting Democracy and Politics in Action and Demonstrations, Protests, Strikes and Walkouts. Resources on these pages include articles, webinars, school district examples and other resources to help communicators plan and respond to such challenging issues.

In addition, the following resources may also be helpful:

• Sample messaging to families from AASA, The School Superintendents Association
• Message to district leaders from the Los Angeles County Office of Education
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers from the National Association of School Psychologists
• Tips for Parents on Media Coverage from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Resources to help facilitate discussions with students on race and ethnicity, police violence and rights and activism from Learning for Justice

NSPRA also offers the following five strategies for school public relations professionals who want to prepare for communications during challenging times:

1. Check your mission.
2. Confer with your thought leaders.
3. Review past messaging on challenging issues.
4. Don’t go it alone if you don’t have to.
5. Be honest with yourself about what you don’t know.

View NSPRA's 5 Communication Strategies to Prepare for Challenging Times news article to read more.

NSPRA is here to help and support you as your district navigates challenging times. Please reach out to us if you need additional support at info@nspra.org.