Today marks the 20th anniversary of the deadly school shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.  On this fateful day,  13 victims, both students and teachers, lost their lives when two gunmen, who were also students, entered the cafeteria and began firing. Their victims were chosen by a “hitlist” found later after the shooting. Both gunmen, also students,  were found dead later on the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As the nation watched the aftermath of the horrific event on live television, it appeared we were also watching the demise of the safety of our children.

This  single incident would set a precedence in what would be the first of many deadly mass school shootings. Since the Columbine shooting, more than 300,000 students have experienced gun violence at school, with this number rapidly growing with each passing day. On average, there is a school shooting at least once a week now and the word “lock down” has become an all-too familiar term.

How is it that we have allowed the safety of our children to no longer become a priority? Why is this NOT the important issue out there? If it is a funding problem, then why can’t it be fixed by prioritizing? Is it not really not that important of an issue anymore?  As Americans, it seems we have lost our shock value when it comes to gun violence, so we just seem to accept it as now just a way of life. How can this be???

There should be an adequate number of resource officer(s) stationed at our schools, based on student enrollment. There should be metal detectors at each entrance, along with cameras, with the doors locking after entry. All windows should also be locked as well, with no doors opening from the outside to gain entry. If a student is red flagged for suspicious behavior, then that threat should be removed from that school.

You may never be able to stop gun violence in schools, but you can sure prevent them by following a specific protocol. One that should be strictly enforced all day, every day. You can never let your guard slip when it comes to the safety of our children. It is OUR job to protect them in every way possible! You may not be able to protect them from everything, but a parent should never have to worry about wondering when their child leaves in the morning, if that’s the last time they will ever see them.

It never ceases to amaze me how things have changed since I was in school 40 years ago. Back then, there were no threats, other than those of a paddling or suspension if you chose to misbehave during school hours. And then the real threat looming was having your parents called to school, because you knew that the punishment you were getting when you got home was going to be far worse.

I remember kids proudly sporting gun racks with loaded rifles in the back glass of their truck. Most boys carried knives then too, but they weren’t used in a threatening manner. Back then, if you had a problem with a fellow student, you waited until after school and you would duke it out on the playground or somewhere close by. Students weren’t suspended then for retaliating if someone chose to take a swing at them, it was considered self-defense and the student who instigated it got in trouble.  Those were the days when your school was your fortress and you never in a million years dreamed that your “safe place” would be under attack.

Folks, this school violence things is a HUGE pet peeve of mine and I’m sure I don’t stand alone on this one. Our law enforcement have enough things to deal with than having to monitor our schools on a daily basis, we NEED MORE!!! So, my suggestion here is to use every resource you have to make your voice heard! Contact your local representatives and voice your concerns because that’s what they are there for.  But gun violence, or any other kind of violence for that matter, in our schools should never be a factor.

Since Columbine, there have 85 school shootings. Of these 85 shootings, there have been 223 killed, this number including students, teachers and staff.  ENOUGH.