Page 74 - Security Today, July/August 2024

CAMPUS VIEWPOINT
SCHOOL GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE GUIDE IS A MUST-READ
BY BRENT DIRKS
B ack in June, the NEA and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund released a School Gun Violence Prevention and Response Guide. And anyone involved in campus safety should make sure to read the entire report.
Gun violence continues to be an epidemic in the United States as more than 120 people are killed every day with guns. More than 200 are shot and wounded. So far in 2024, there have been at least 107 incidents of gunfire on
school grounds resulting in 29 deaths and 61 injuries.
“Every student in America — Black or White, Asian or Latino, native or newcomer—
deserves a welcoming and safe learning environment, free from the fear of gun violence in their school or community,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Our schools should be the safest place in any community. While we wish this type of guidance wasn’t even necessary, the reality is that we need to step up to not only prevent future instances of gun violence but also equip schools and communities with the knowledge of how to respond when another tragedy occurs.”
The guide features four main sections: prevention, preparation, response, and re- covery. It provides a number of resources, tools, and practical guidance to address gun violence. Some of those include the creation of safe and welcoming environments and building robust community partnerships.
JULY/AUGUST 2024
There is also a response-related checklist to help outline actions after a gun-based incident.
You can find the guide on the NEA site at nea.org.
As Editor of Campus Security Today, I’m always reading information and data about school security and how to
keep students safe. I was really impressed with this guide. It has great and timely information for anyone involved with schools. Even if you’re a school security pro, make sure to give it a read.
Brent Dirks bdirks@1105media.com
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