Second school tragedy strikes Parkland students in a span of 7 years
In the harrowing echoes of both Parkland and Florida State University shootings, the landscape of school safety measures in the United States has significantly shifted. This transformation encompasses funding, training, emergency preparedness, and specific safety protocols.
Keys to Enhanced School Safety Measures
1. Funding and TrainingA host of legislative initiatives have been proposed to bolster public safety hiring and training. Bills like HB 2015 aim to create new grant programs and funding streams to equip law enforcement and public safety agencies. However, it's worth noting that some training requirements in these bills exceed current state capabilities, signaling ongoing development and adjustment in training standards.
2. The Office of Safe SchoolsFollowing the tragedies, the Office of Safe Schools was codified within Florida's Department of Education. This entity oversees and coordinates safety measures and policies in public schools, playing a pivotal role in school safety initiatives since its establishment in 2018.
3. Emergency PreparednessBeyond schools, local governments are revising their emergency preparedness plans, which could impact school safety procedures during crises. As an example, recent bills mandate accommodating pets during emergencies in comprehensive emergency management plans, addressing broader community safety considerations connected to emergency responses.
4. Health and Safety TrainingWhile not directly related to shootings, there's been a growing focus on safety education and sanitation within school health programs. This encompasses procedures like safe handling for students requiring medical aid (e.g., tube feeding).
A Glimpse into the Shooting's Aftermath
As Ilana Badiner sought refuge in the University's student union during the shooting, memories of her eighth-grade days during the Parkland shooting resurfaced. The terrifying déjà vu reminded her of fleeing in the dark, the long wait for answers, the fear, and the questions about the shooter's whereabouts.
Similar to her experience seven years ago, Badiner confided in her dad over texts, with every passing moment intensifying her apprehension. Only 15 minutes elapsed before police escorted her out of the student union, but those minutes felt like an eternity.
The aftermath of the shooting left Badiner in a state of shock, barely managing to hold back tears. She attended a vigil for the victims, feeling a mix of emotions – sorrow, frustration, and a desire for change. However, she didn’t know if the shooter had been apprehended yet, and that uncertainty added another layer to her anxiety.
Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, advocates for anti-violence programs and gun safety practices. Their mission, along with countless other associations, continues to push for measures aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.
In Badiner's case, the still-unraveling memories from the Parkland shooting served as a grim reminder that the fight against gun violence and school shootings is far from over. As she graduates from FSU in May, she hopes for change, striving to make a safer world for future generations.
1. Us - As Ilana Badiner sought refuge during the Westglades shooting, memories of her eighth-grade days during the Parkland shooting resurfaced, reminding her of shared experiences and collective struggles.
2. Shooter - The uncertainly about the shooter's whereabouts added another layer to Badiner's anxiety, reinforcing the need for effective measures to identify and apprehend potential shooters.
3. Students - Badiner confided in her dad over texts during the Westglades shooting, demonstrating the resilience and support sustained amongst students during such trying times.
4. Westglades - The Westglades shooting left Badiner in a state of shock, much like the Parkland shooting seven years ago, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing fight against school shootings in the United States.
5. Education-and-self-development, politics, general-news, crime-and-justice, sports - Organizations like Sandy Hook Promise continue to advocate for anti-violence programs, gun safety practices, and awareness in various domains, such as education, self-development, politics, general news, crime, and justice, and sports, striving to prevent future school shootings and create a safer society.
