Two big issues are now intertwined again – gun violence and school safety. Last week’s deadly shooting at a Florida high school prompted survivors to visit with President Donald Trump Wednesday. Also in attendance were people who witnessed other school mass shootings – like Columbine and Sandy Hook – along with family members of those killed.
Closer to home, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has issued an order that all Texas schools must undergo updated safety audits. These audits, which have been in place for several years, require schools to describe their safety procedures, their entry management system, the number of locks on doors and other measures designed to protect students and staff.
Eva-Marie Ayala, an education reporter for the Dallas Morning News, says Gov. Greg Abbott now wants the Texas Education Agency, or TEA, to collect all school safety information, and make that information available to schools around the state.
Abbott also wants to “name and shame” schools that haven’t completed safety plans, by publishing a list online. Not everyone agrees with the proposal.
“There are some groups that are concerned that if you put out there which schools haven’t completed their safety audits, that could potentially make them a target,” Ayala says.
Written by Shelly Brisbin.
