From: Cole Bennett
Columbus
The first month of a new school year has come and gone. It’s a time of excitement and possibility: new friends, new teachers, and new opportunities. Sure, a lot of that excitement ends at the first whisper of homework, but I can’t help but look back on that time of my life and feel nostalgic.
Sadly, for students and families at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, this fall began with tragedy. A deranged killer took the innocent lives of two students, while injuring 18 more. This keeps happening, and it’s unacceptable.
The online conversation has been demoralizing. Because the killer identified as transgender, the conversation quickly shifted from mourning to divisive scapegoating. Just last week, the DOJ is reportedly considering restrictions on firearm access for transgender people.
I’m exhausted. I’m angry. And I’m tired of being both.
The standard reaction from national politicians follows a predictable pattern: initial outrage, thoughts and prayers, gridlock, and inaction. The conversation so quickly shifts from school safety to the divisive issue of gun rights. Democrats call for vaguely-defined gun control, while Republicans decry 2nd Amendment infringement – we know the story by now. It is clear that we in America, or our politicians, are not ready to have a serious, good-faith conversation about sensible firearm legislation, or enforcing what’s already on the books.
But where Congress stalls, our local school board stepped in. In April of this year, the BCSC School Board approved funding to hire four school security officers (SSOs) to be stationed at both Columbus North and East High Schools, along with an additional school resource officer (SRO), bringing the total to six. This adds an extra layer of protection for staff and students across the school district.
Criticism comes from both sides of the aisle on increasing school security. Progressives argue that police presence in schools can feel oppressive or militarizing. Conservatives balk at the costs. But in my experience as a former Columbus North student, the presence of officers like Officer Stevens made me feel safer, not less free. SROs like him weren’t there just to enforce the rules, but also built trust with law enforcement. Sgt. Julie Smith, who served at Columbus East while I was in school, now leads Indiana’s newly formed Office of School Safety. Her experience gives her credibility that few lawmakers have. Her appointment demonstrates that experienced and community-oriented leaders can influence change beyond the local school district.
While our national leaders grandstand and stall, we should remember the value of federalism: change shouldn’t just start at the top. Our school board and administration deserve credit for their efforts to put the safety of our kids first.
