This week two teacher union organizations, American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association — the nation’s largest education unions, with several million members — are calling for schools to reassess the use of lockdown drills. Citing the trauma and lack of evidence that the drills are/could be effective in the case of a mass school shooting, these groups are (also) exploring the mental and stress induced trauma that is being forced upon our children by participating in active shooter drills. And if schools do choose to do these drills with students, they shouldn’t be unnecessarily realistic and schools should give plenty of warning. Any drill, for any reason, should be done with age-appropriateness and sensitivity toward children with special needs or those who have experienced trauma. So much to think about.
When I read the article I was immediately reminded of conversations with our grandson about the drills. Understanding that there are mixed reviews on whether or not to “warn” parents and children that the drills will take place, I am a HUGE advocate that our school systems should have no choice but to communicate intended actions about our children BEFORE an action takes place. As a parent our rights are protected.
Consider this: Both federal and state courts have determined parental rights to be fundamental rights. The U.S. Supreme Court and the N.C. Supreme Court have declared constitutional protections for the rights of parents to the care, custody, and control of their children. In McIntyre v. McIntyre (1995), the N.C. Supreme Court reaffirmed that parents have a “paramount right…to custody, care and nurture of their children,” which includes “with whom their children shall associate.” In Troxel v. Granville (2000), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a Washington State case that parents have a fundamental right to “make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children.” The High Court found, “the Due Process clause does not permit a State to infringe on the fundamental right of parents to make rearing decisions simply because a state judge believes a ‘better’ decision could be made.” Does this change your mind about notification of mandatory active shooter drills at your child’s school? More importantly, do you know what happens when your child’s school practices their response to a crisis or active shooter, or what your child is being told when they participate in a drill?
This is such a tough question?!! Of course we want our children to have every advantage if some mentally ill person (or a pissed-off parent) wielding a gun comes to their school. I haven’t heard any of these type drills in our area but in other states there were drills where teachers were “shot” with rubber bullets in front of their students and (also) students were covered with fake blood during a drill. What in the world were those planning these drills thinking? These union groups are advocating for our teachers to have additional training. What kind of training? Advanced first aid? Perhaps we only train teachers how to respond in the case of an active shooter. Will our kids follow their direction in crisis? Hmmm. Teacher friends, what do you think?
I don’t blog to create controversy and I know that this writing may cause divided opinions about guns, gun possession, violence, teaching styles and teacher responsibility. I’m open to healthy discussions! Disclosure: We are “above average” satisfied with the school where our grandson attends. All schools have their challenges (oh, that car rider line)!
ONE LAST THING: I learned weapons safety, how to transport and shoot weapons as a young teenager. There was a time in my teen years that I spent most afternoons at the shooting range (and I was pretty good).! I’ve never considered using a firearm other than for protection but I grew up around guns. Many people I know had similar experiences. That said: Is anyone FOR gun violence? I certainly am not! I do, however, support the rights of individuals to possess and carry, provided they follow the legal channel to do so. I also want my family protected anywhere that we are. So many questions – no easy answers.
Nana Reflections 