Find the real cause

Violating rights won't stop school shootings

As high school students across the nation enter a new academic year, they will notice some startling changes in the appearance of their schools. Instead of new lockers and tables in the cafeteria, many students will find metal detectors and surveillance cameras following their every step. Backpack searches, drug tests and dress codes are now considered in the student's best interests. But these procedures cannot prove their effectiveness of preventing violence. More importantly, they create a dangerous side effect: the violation of students' rights.

Most school administrators will tell you the increase in school security is solely to prevent a repeat of this year's tragedy at Columbine High School. But some schools are taking security measures too far - creating an environment of fear rather than comfort and learning. In some schools, students must wear computerized identification badges at all times. Video and audio surveillance may become as typical in schools as bad cafeteria food.

Although school administrators are honestly concerned with the safety of their students, the new safety procedures have raised many eyebrows concerning students' rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union is at the forefront of preserving students' rights and liberties. The ACLU has fought numerous cases in which the violation of students' rights were overt. In Texas, a group of students were suspended for wearing black armbands in remembrance of the Columbine tragedy. Intended to show compassion for others, their actions were interpreted as a threat. The ACLU fought for these students, citing violation of the First Amendment.

Another ACLU case involved a Jewish student who was told by school administrators his wearing of the Star of David was inappropriate. Administrators said that the symbol could be considered a gang symbol. Later the school board rescinded its position.

With all the excessive media attention school violence has received, such knee-jerk responses are expected. While all students have the right to attend a safe school, they also have the right to their personal freedom, which dress codes or video surveillance infringe on.

It is clear that there are problems in our schools today - school violence is intolerable.

But taking away freedom of speech and privacy is not the solution. This can cause students to feel even more insecure and isolated.

The true solution comes from tackling the real problem - the social ostracism many students experience in junior high and high school. Teachers and administrators must try to create a less divisive social environment.

But until that is accomplished, Congress must stand up to the National Rifle Association and make it harder for people to obtain guns. Without guns, the Columbine massacre wouldn't have happened. Bullets - not Marilyn Manson - caused this tragedy.

As our nation seeks to find proper solutions to school violence, we can all take steps toward building safer schools. We should look out for our neighbors and be pro-active in fighting senseless violence. The cause of school violence is multi-faceted and not easily remedied. Schools and communities need to work together to improve safety - but schools will not be safe environments if the students do not have their rights. The intention for school safety is justified, but not at the expense of student rights.

09-16-99