Let’s keep trying to make schools safer
It’s a sobering reality. Although we can deter school violence, we cannot prevent it entirely. Even so, we must take all reasonable measures to shield children from the physical harm that can befall them in the sanctity of schools.
Sadly, it took the outrage and determination of students who survived the most recent mass school shooting in Parkland, Fla., to send a resounding wake-up call on school vulnerability. They’ve argued that what happened at their place of learning absolutely must be averted in the future. Their right to school safety had been laid bare, and they’re now holding the nation accountable to protect students, teachers, administrators, and staff, all of whom have been victims.
To their credit, students nationwide have joined the crusade. In their minds, the assaults on schools and the resulting wounds and killings cannot be tolerated. Thankfully their zeal has gotten the attention of adults who can make a difference, our public servants and citizenry.
All of us, not just lawmakers, share the blame of not having done more. How did we forget the awful lessons of Columbine, Nickel Mines, Santee, Red Lake, Sandy Hook, and Marysville, and fail to act with more haste and conviction? While these cases are the most tragic and highly publicized, they represent only a fraction of the instances where firearms have caused bodily harm and death in schools. Even worse, the number of such incidents have increased significantly in every decade since 1970, with no apparent end in sight unless we act aggressively.
The White House and governor’s office have proposed plans to address the challenge. Legislators and citizens alike must decide if they are right-minded, and if so, go far enough. Either way, the situation calls for thoughtful deliberation leading to genuinely impactful policies, and it begs the question of how close we can come to ideal school security.
As one example, mental health services are sorely needed as most shootings are done by disgruntled current, expelled, or former students who acquire their weapons from home. Metal detectors ought to be standard equipment.
Security guards would be positioned at these checkpoints who are expertly trained and monitor all visitors intensively.The guards and school staff should be positioned near one main point of entry, which should be impenetrable if possible. Doors elsewhere should remain locked in both directions to prevent outsiders from sneaking in. These doors must unlock instantly, though, in the case of emergencies. Security cameras could be used at all entrances.
And one possible intervention — arming educators — seems fraught with danger. Their preparation and skill levels would need to be extraordinary, and even then the risks would be high. Former and current teachers and national teacher organizations have weighed in overwhelmingly against this approach.
Lastly, enacting these measures will be extremely expensive, especially in the collective, where the costs will seem ridiculous. On that count, I understand the position of those who wish to keep government spending under control, myself included, but wonder what price we can put on the safety of our children.
William Henk is dean of the College of Education at Marquette University.