Violence in Schools

Describing the feelings that were felt by peoplewhen they turned on the news on April 20th, 1999 is difficult. Seeing the horrified expressions on the faces of Columbine High School students, teachers and parents is hard to forget. This day we experiencedthe deadliest high school shooting to date. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold arrived at their Colorado High school and killed 12 students, 1 teacher and wounded 23 others.

It’s difficult to understand senseless tragedies, and it’s even more difficult when children are the victims and the offenders. Parents want their children safe when they send them off to school and that’s a reasonable demand. Children shouldn’t have to worry about a classmate coming to school with a gun and shooting at them.

According to the Youth Violence Project’s National Statistics, violent crimes in school have decreased dramatically. However, they still happen and it still outrages our society when they do. We must look at what is being done to stop these types of events. Many steps have been made in the right direction, but it needs to continue. Many schools have installed metal detectors, put up fences around campus, require all students to wear an ID around their neck, added school resources officers, etc. Some of these may seem extreme in certain schools, but it is necessary when we remember the heartbreaking attack at Columbine High School.