Reflecting on Columbine

Twenty years ago today, an American tragedy took place.  Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris shot and killed 13 people and wounded 20 others.  This was part of a failed plan to use bombs to kill hundreds more.  This horrific event sparked not only a national debate on gun control and video games, but changed how school buildings operate and even how they are designed.  There is not a year that has gone by in my entire 17 year education career that I have not completed some safety training or improved a safety plan.  It is part of our education culture now for both educators and students.

I have to tell you that the worst thing I have heard an adult say over the years is, "He's our next school shooter" when they are worried about how a troubled student is acting.  Psychologists warn that there really isn't a strict profile, but rather factors for consideration.  These include:

• The theme for school shootings is revenge and anger.
• 75% of shooters felt harassed or bullied by their classmates.
• Shooters may have a history of cruelty to animals (this is a low probability factor, but a significant one when present)
• Shooters tend to have experienced dysfunctional family situations or experience a lack of effective adult supervision, mentoring, or oversight.

You can't profile a shooter, but educators are trained to spot warning signs.  I will be honest, this was not in my teacher education program.  

The law enforcement approach has changed also.  I attended a training several years ago where a video was shown of an active shooter simulation and how officers are trained to respond.  Body cameras were used for a realistic effect.  This was gut wrenching.  They are trained to rush in and engage the shooter to eliminate the threat.  In the video, officers were seen running past students that were injured and crying for help in an effort to reach the shooter.  I had to remind myself that these heroes run towards trouble to protect us while others run away.  I have reminded my staff of this when we have our active shooter drills and discussions.

There has been much debate over the years of how to prevent and/or respond to school shootings.  Is it a gun control issue?  Is it a the failure of the American family?  Are violent video games to blame?  These and other theories might be beyond your influence so I ask you, How are you rushing in?  I'm not saying rush in to a school shooting.  I'm saying rush in to being whatever influence you think is needed.  If you ask me, rush into being a teacher.  Rush into being a counselor.  Rush into the ministry.  Rush into something that allows you to make a real impact on a child that needs real human connection.  It is easy to sit in the cheap seats and say you think a kid is going to go off.  It's more worth it to save a troubled life before law enforcement has to be rushed in to save hundreds.  Please engage others in this conversation.  Not to place blame, but to focus on solutions.  Our kids deserve that.

On a side note, the Southern Illinoisan ran a great piece on how these shootings have affected the survivors and communities of Columbine and Parkland.  Please be reminded that these incidents have a greater impact than just the reported dead and injured.  You can click here to read it.