More Questions Raised on School Security in Mount Vernon. School officials in Mount Vernon, N.Y., are reviewing their security procedures after the police arrested an 18-year-old man who they say signed a 14-year-old girl out of school under false pretenses. By Marek Fuchs. [New York Times: Education]
The failure to provide security at schools seems to be pandemic. Why are we so incompetent at it? We make the kids walk through metal detectors as they enter the building, but just about anybody off the street can enter the school. Recently, an angry parent entered our building carrying a belt in his hand in a threatening manner, and hunting down a particular teacher. Several years ago a non-enrolled teen, apparently a gang member, walked right in to the school, hurled a blunt object at a student in my classroom, and walked right on out unimpeded. When the student who was the intended target requested a transfer, the principal refused and told the student that this is a safe school and that he would be safe here. What???
There is always talk about securing things better, and talk of requiring all students to wear an ID badge, and so on, but it never happens. It's scary that little is done to provide a truly safe environment in many schools. I know many schoos do it right. But many do not. That's why we end up with teachers with severed fingers.
Speaking of which, the students involved in that incedent were never given more than a short suspension. Though I imagine that the victimized teacher is pressing charges. One of the students involved was finally found, however. Do you know where? In jail a week or so later on charges of drug and weapons possession.
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