Rights outweigh public safety?

Do privacy

While both sides of the gun debate are busy coming up with talking points, media keep repeating the “failure” of the school, social workers and police in this matter. The truth is there were no failures. There were no cracks to fall through. There was a gaping hole of privacy stopping anyone who tried to stop this tragedy from happening. If we want to tackle this issue, we all must be willing to value our safety above the right of privacy.

I have reached out to teachers, school board members, school administration and even the police in regards to members of my community who were mentally unstable and possibly dangerous to themselves or others. In every instance, I was told that of course they were not allowed to discuss this individual with me. I was told that an actual threat hadn’t been made, and the only step I could take was if a crime had been committed.

My four children, who range in age from 12 to 21, have been forced to accept unacceptable behavior — from being locked inside a classroom while a raging student beat on the door to being assaulted by the unstable individual. They, along with classmates, all have a story about these individuals. In all honesty, there is at least one mentionable act by these individuals each and every week. The students know. The teachers know. The administration knows. The school board knows. The police know. The truth is, unless the person actually threatens you, or commits a crime, there is no next step. There is nothing anyone cando.

I recently had to call the police about a mentally ill adult in my neighborhood. I begged them to help before the person caused self-harm or hurt someone else. I contacted friends and family who all did the same. I was told unless I was personally threatened or willing to file some charge, nothing could be done.

While the absurd behavior goes on, students, parents, teachers and community members all exchange stories about what the unstable person did today. It is very easy to get sucked in. The gossip value of these stories is off the charts. The stories aren’t funny. The stories shouldn’t serve to make us feel better than someone who obviously needs help.

We all need to ask ourselves if privacy is more important than our safety. We have to ask ourselves if we have to wait until a tragedy occursto intervene. Whatare you willing to give up to keep us all safe? KATHI LOPEZ Crafton