School safety, security, and violence prevention resource

Gang violence is something that we cannot overlook.  In spite of the fact that some parents may want to turn and look the other way, the reality is all too real.  And this is what the school authorities in Seattle are acknowledging.  More than acknowledge the real danger of violence due to the existence of gangs and their rivalries, Seattle schools are actually working on shaping and re-shaping their policies in order to prevent potential clashes and other similar incidents.

So what exactly have they done (and are doing)?  Here are some examples.  Basketball matches have been cancelled because of the danger of gang clashes during the games.  While this may seem cowardly to some, I think that it also makes the students aware that their actions have consequences.  If they love sports and want to interact with others through it, then they have to set aside their gangs, if they want to continue with their activities in relation to sports.

Another example is the fact that of Garfield High School’s policy of holding classes earlier than other South Seattle High Schools.  The rationale, according to school principal Ted Howard II, is that he does not want his students to be getting on and off the metro together with the students from other schools who might be members of a rival gang.  Again, this might be seen by some as not really addressing the root of the problem of gangs but I see it as one way of dealing with the situation that is already prickly at best.  At least, while hopefully the authorities are working on solutions to get rid of gangs, those that are already involved can be kept away from each other and lessen the potential dangers.

One more thing that Seattle schools are doing is to assign police officers to middle schools in the area.  While gang problems are most distinct in high school, it is in while in middle school that affiliations may be formed.  Having police officers monitor children in middle school and hopefully address issues related to eventual gang affiliation, such as truancy, might actually be targeting the problem at its roots.

These are only some things that the schools in Seattle are doing in order to curb gang activities.  Again, I want to reiterate that parents and the community as a whole would need to get their act together as well in order to forge a truly effective and lasting solution.  It is quite encouraging to read about efforts such as this, however, isn’t it?

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Posted on March 2nd, 2009 by Deborah J Thomas
Filed under: Administrators, Fighting, Gangs, High School, K-6, News, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, School Safety Issues, Security, Students