Gun Violence and the State of Lockdowns

Gun Violence and the State of Lockdowns by Elliot Sheridan
This is the image for the news article titled Gun Violence and the State of Lockdowns by Elliot SheridanAt around 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 28, the students of Lakewood High School experienced a planned lock down drill during their sixth hour classes. During this drill, teachers and students were either required to lock doors, close windows, turn off lights and huddle in a corner or watch a short video together about what to do during a school shooting, if it were to occur.

The video detailed different scenarios students could be in when a school shooting begins, such as if they are in the bathroom or away from their classrooms, and the best way to escape the situation alive. The video was created by the Jefferson County Youtube channel and is shown in every High School in the district.

The idea of a lockdown drill has unfortunately become more and more common across the United States as gun violence in schools remains a concerning issue. According to Education Week, there were 25 school shootings that resulted in injury or death over the span of 2019. In addition, it is typical for a district to require two lockdown drills a year as that is common in the state of Colorado.

To get more information on what the drill means specifically to Lakewood, as well as how it has changed over time, contact was made with Daniel Bock, the school’s principal, and Paul Geiger, a local Lakewood Police Department officer, via email. Unfortunately, only Bock responded.

“The events over at Columbine High School, really changed how we saw gun violence in schools and it helped us realize how big of an issue it would become.” Bock wrote. When asked about when the drill began to gain popularity, Bock said that “While Columbine occurred in 1999, the drill really only became common to see in schools around the early 2010’s.”

As time moves forwards, a question of the drill’s future status was asked. “It’s difficult to say. While I would obviously like the drill to no longer feel necessary, especially in a school environment, I think it's unlikely that it will change.” Bock stated. “I think it is still best for us to encourage classroom safety and student mental health.”
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