Tell the NYS PTA "YES" to safe food, "NO" to violence against animals.

We at Vegan GMO identify with the values and positions of the New York State PTA. We honor your commitment to keeping students safe while helping them to make their potential a reality. We would like to see the families and communities children live in supported with the most basic of needs: food. Nutritious and accessible food should be a right for all.

Food security relies on science-based policy, methods and tools. A small minority of vocal dissenters have been unfairly vilifying genetic engineering (GMO). We are alarmed to see this sentiment make its way into your proposed New Resolution #1: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) And Genetically Engineered (GE) Foods. With your value of inclusivity, please consider our viewpoint on this important matter.

GMO technology utilizes the natural language of life. Scientific progress has made great strides in understanding this language. The tools to solve serious problems are within our grasp today, thanks to science.

All life is related by biology. We at Vegan GMO believe our nonhuman animal relatives have an inherent right to their own lives. The same right we honor for those of our own species. We welcome technological solutions to help enable us to recognize and respect this right.

There is a scientific consensus that GMOs are safe to consume and for the environment. But there is real harm to the animals killed for food in school meal programs and vending services.

Fostering the moral potential for children by improving ethical standards should be a priority. What example do we set by feeding our children the bodies of individuals who themselves are children? We agree that keeping violence out of our schools is a noble basis for action. We think this should include the real violence imposed upon nonhuman animals as well.

We propose a new resolution:

• Please consider dropping the resolution to ban GMO foods. They are safe and the technology has great potential to bring powerful solutions. We should encourage scientific progress in this area.
• Please consider dropping all animal foods from your menus. Exemplify your commitment to condemn prejudice and violence.
• Please seek experts to advise your policy decisions. Our children deserve to benefit from the fruit of that knowledge borne through the empowering potential of schools. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

The harm to animals is real. The harm of “GMO” food is not.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Vegan GMO and the undersigned supporters.