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Children, many argue, are our greatest resources. Yet, our policies argue otherwise.
Solutions are afloat in Graham and on Vaughn Street that we need to “do something” to protect our schools. No one wants Alamance-Burlington School System staff, teachers, and students at risk. However, no credible research supports the notion that more school resource officers (SROs) create safer schools.
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released a Feb. 16, 2021, report, “Presence of armed school officials and fatal and nonfatal gunshot injuries during mass school shootings,” which argued that “the rate of deaths was 2.83 times greater ... with an armed guard present.”
They continued, “Prior research suggests that many school shooters are actively suicidal, … so an armed officer may be an incentive rather than a deterrent.” As most shooters are students, it calls “into question the effectiveness of hardened security … Instead, schools must invest in resources to prevent shootings before they occur.”
Our county is more than plots of taxable land. It is a grid where resources should flow to all and for all. We all have cell phones. We know the importance of our “bars.” It is clear: Without a strong signal and “bars” we are left out.
When we are all fully plugged in and charged up, our county is safer. Everyone is seen, heard, and valued, and can find support when shaken or broken.
But this isn’t the case. Our representation is lopsided in all the policymaking boards and councils. Therefore, we have no access to the support our children and families need, or our officials are starving these facilities so they are practically useless.
Would you stay with a phone provider whose service was spotty and uneven?
In the fall, self-styled maverick candidates for the ABSS Board of Education and the county commission will chatter on about “hardened targets” and the disgraced “good guy with a gun” theory. Do not believe them.
The real SROs at this moment are school counselors and student services. Let’s do the work necessary for real public safety that reflects our shared aspirations.
ROBERT B. VELLANI
Burlington
This article originally appeared on Times-News: Letter: Alamance County citizen says more SROs won't make our schools safer from shootings
