It would never happen here, people say.
Until it does.
Naivety costs lives. So does unpreparedness. This sentiment has echoed through some of the worst tragedies in our nation’s history.
Sandy Hook. Newtown, Connecticut—“How could this happen, it was a peaceful, idyllic, sleepy New England town.” 20 students, six adults, killed.
Parkland. In Florida. “School was a safe place.” 17 killed, 17 injured.
Uvalde. An elementary school in Texas. “Despite all the threats and violent talk, none of his online behavior was reported to law enforcement.” 21 killed.
And here, in California, on a school campus in 2019. Saugus High School. “He seemed like one of those normal kids.” Two killed, three injured.
From 2000-2020, the National Center for Education Statistics recorded 886 school shootings in the United States. 59% of active shooter incidents have taken place at high schools.
Oak Park High School is not immune, it can happen to us and we need to be aware of and prepared for these dangers. Belief in our school’s exceptionalism here would be a grave mistake.
On behalf of the Talon’s Editorial Board, we urge OPHS’ administration to commit instructional minutes to a campaign for school shooting preparedness. We want a direct conversation about the reality of gun violence and for every individual on campus to understand emergency protocols. We believe students’ and staff’s lives deserve this departure from class time.
Our schedule is already equipped to accommodate one day, at the beginning of the school year, dedicated to an active shooter drill. We need one 20-minute period, through an activity block, where students learn from staff or law enforcement directly and implement the safety principles of run, hide or fight. This includes learning how to properly barricade a classroom.
Students, parents and staff should be notified well in advance about the active shooter drill, its purpose and what it entails. Administrators already visit every classroom in August, addressing issues like conduct and the dress code. This is a natural opportunity to preface the drill once again, face-to-face, so that there is no confusion as to what is happening and why.
When the drill begins, protocol should mirror procedure in the event of an actual emergency. Instead of just announcing a lockdown drill over the intercom, an administrator should specify that it is an active shooter drill, and then practice including vital information, including the most recent location of the shooter. Announcing details like these allows teachers to model their decision-making process in the event of a real threat.
While this drill would happen during students’ third or fourth-period classes, every teacher should be instructed on how to explain their room’s specific escape routes and scenario-by-scenario plan of action to each class. This should be a mandated practice. It can be brief, albeit thorough. It can even be an identical, scripted speech for every period.
The Talon’s Editorial Board understands that these announcements become another task for teachers, competing for their time and energy in an emotionally distressing way. But we hope that it can be framed as a responsibility, not a burden, and one that will be met with students’ appreciation. We believe it will alleviate some of the fear and anxiety surrounding gun violence on campuses.
“The unfortunate truth is that it is very difficult to prevent these types of things,” teacher Fransisco Henning said. “What we can do is learn what to do when they happen.”
Guidance and resources from the district must support teachers in this initiative. In the past, staff have received training both in the “run, hide, fight” method and first aid practices.
“The basic emergency response protocol is referred to as ‘run, hide, fight,’” principal Mathew McClenahan said. “Teachers are encouraged to use their best judgment in these situations to decide which action will best ensure student safety.”
Proper training is necessary to ensure teachers can stay composed and exercise their best judgment in these stressful situations. Henning recalls how emotional one of the first-aid training sessions became.
“The guy who was leading the training had been in a shooting himself,” Henning said. “He got emotional and then everyone else started getting emotional. It is a very hard and uncomfortable thing for some people to talk about.”
The difficulty of these conversations are proof of their importance. These discussions should involve everyone on campus, students included. The 1500+ kids on this campus should be made aware of the basic protocols, exit strategies and how to defend themselves.
These drills and sessions should not just be about ticking a box, we need consistent education and training—and we need to take them seriously.
“Taking drills seriously is critical because practice impacts preparedness,” McClenahan said. “Following teachers’ instructions is essential. When individuals act independently, it disrupts our ability to maintain organization and ensure safety.”
We only disservice ourselves by hiding behind ignorance, fear and the idea that “it won’t happen here.” These beliefs do not shield us from the devastating realities American schools face every year. If we hold our heads down, we will be utterly unprepared and devastated if they reach Oak Park.
We must remain committed to discussion and keep our eyes open to the unfortunate dangers we may face. Initiatives like lock blocks and window blinds are steps in the right direction. But ultimately, only awareness and preparedness can keep us safe.
