Following a disturbing trend of violence at schools across North Texas, DeSoto ISD along with local pastors, is holding a press conference to address violence among teens.
Community and religious leaders are uniting to promote peace and combat violence following the tragic death of David Washington, a scholar-athlete from Justin F. Kimball High School.
Washington’s passing, coupled with social media threats referencing his legacy using the hashtag #LLD10, has prompted concern for the safety and well-being of local teens.
In response, the district has joined local pastors and civic leaders to urge families and community members to support safer schools and neighborhoods.
This call to action aims to curtail violence among teens in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with a particular focus on DeSoto and surrounding areas.
DeSoto High School Head Football Coach Claude Mathis and members of the DeSoto Pastors Coalition are backing the initiative.
Pastor Marcus D. King of Disciple Central Community Church, a key figure in the movement, will be among the leaders issuing a public appeal for peace.
The coalition will host the press conference on Monday, September 16, at 2 p.m. at the DeSoto ISD Instructional Support Center.
The event will take place in the district’s boardroom and will be open to the media, with live-streaming and filming options available.
As part of this initiative, pastors will “adopt” DeSoto ISD campuses, offering prayers and other forms of support to promote a peaceful environment.
Organizers hope the community-wide effort will lead to positive change and a reduction in youth violence.
The call for peace comes at a critical time, as the DeSoto area, like many urban communities, is seeing an increase in social media threats and violence among the youth.