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Books Over Bullets: Keeping Our Schools Safe

Columbine. Sandy Hook. And now Parkland. These names used to identify individual towns and schools but are now synonymous with mass shootings that have reignited the debate over gun control in America. In the wake of these school shootings, bag searches, metal detectors, and even arming teachers are options that have been either implemented or considered to assure the safety of the students and staff. Some are advocating for preventative measures in tackling the mental health issues that often pervade school shooters – adding more school psychologists, counselors, and professionals to help with special services.

Governor Rick Scott of Florida has called for a  $500 million plan to overhaul safety in schools, including stronger gun purchase and possession restrictions for mentally ill individuals, stronger collaboration and communication between schools, law enforcement, and agencies that help children, and investment in emotional support and physical barriers at the schools.

Will any of these methods make schools safer? What are the largest threats to the safety of students and school employees? And what is being done in Cleveland to ensure our schools remain havens of learning, without the threat of violence or harm?

Larry Goodman, Ph.D.
Head of School, Andrews Osborne Academy

Kevin Lamonica
Cleveland Student Organizer, March for Our Lives

Kenneth S. Trump
President, National School Safety & Security Services

Renee Willis, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Richmond Heights Local School District

Jean-Marie Papoi is a digital producer for the arts & culture team at Ideastream Public Media.