Stop Sacrificing Our Children to Gun Violence

American schools are more than institutions; they represent a way of life. They support daily survival for many children and provide a lifeline to a better future.

As with any institution, individuals group together to support the whole, each fulfilling different responsibilities. Teachers work on the production line to turn out responsible, educated students who become functioning citizens.

Unfortunately, teachers are being emotionally ripped apart in their attempts to do their jobs. As teachers strive to meet the needs of students, we simultaneously are expected to satisfy the various desires of stakeholders.

Current events prompt memories of the Bible story when King Solomon ordered an infant be cut in half. Since the king didn’t know which of two women spoke the truth when both claimed to be the mother of a baby, his solution was to split it between the two.

In an effort to appease everyone, public education is failing

Following hours of meetings collecting input, government and school leaders are arriving at different conclusions. They considered multiple possibilities resulting in various solutions.

Politicians are arguing; citizens are issuing contradicting expectations; phycologists proclaim differing beliefs; all offering conflicting advice.

Answers seem elusive because of politics which debates gun violence. When in fact, there are proven strategies to limit the amount of bloodshed. I am not taking about gun control because that is a discussion that will never end in agreement. Instead, investigate proven, successful school safety measures.

• Why do different schools have varying procedures?
• Why does one school stop a shooter at the front door while another allows killing to occur for extended periods?
• Why do some schools still have unlocked doors and others are fortresses?

There exists an absence of unifying leadership. Teachers are only some of the victims; however, as the boots on the ground, they deserve unified directions. They will be asked to enforce mandates that vary by location — It is understandable why parents are frustrated.

In industry, proved procedures exist to maintain financial stability. Within each factory, modifications occur to accommodate and promote success. In the interest of safety and output success, overriding and consistent protocols are essential. Why would education be different? Why should be expect less?

Call to action

Petition elected officials to establish protocols for public schools on a statewide — nationwide basis. Sure, differences exist between districts, but uniformity is crucial to address the current crises. Implement a structured procedure of active listening.

As adults argue, complain and dispute districts’ decisions, they model violent attitudes, eliminate opportunities for consensus and demonstrate unproductive models for the children. Though the absence of input would be detrimental, attempts to please everyone will only result in the erosion of public education. Establish the craft of compromise.

There is a time for civil disobedience, but if teachers are to be empowered to teach and children are going to learn, mutual respect and a unified plan is essential. Develop a system to process input in a respectful manner.

The news broadcasts adults yelling in the streets, issuing threats and demands. It is time for leaders to take input in an organized manner and make sound decisions. It is important to speak up to be heard, but it is just as important to listen. Then decisions must be made based on logical thinking and supported by facts.

There was a time King Solomon’s strategy for decision making proved effective because people all valued the life of a child, but in the 2023, the year of information and technology, responsible leaders must make consistent, responsible decision to create safe environments for all children.

With a void in leadership, teachers and children are being sacrificed.

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I was a teacher/administrator in public education for 34 years. When I retired, I promised myself I would tell the stories of my students.

I strongly believe the problems of our world negatively impact hope for the future. Our youth are losing hope and without hope, we are a lost society.

Youth hear a mantra encouraging them to make a difference, and many seize opportunities to positively impact the world. They inspire and remind me of the power of optimism. Unfortunately, based on 34 years in public education and 60 years of life, I fear many of today’s teens live in apathy, leaving them lethargic and indifferent because they believe the future is spiraling out of control.

The debate over gun control will rage on but until we start to listen to the stories of our youth and confront the issues, the violence will continue. Whether you are for against gun control, the problems will not be resolved until we focus on the struggles of the children.

Want to read some of their stories? Start here.

Invisible Teens

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Want to understand youth of today are thinking? Read this.

Lockers Speak : Voices from America's Youth