Columbine - 10 years later
Find a Conversation
| Mon, 04-20-2009 - 10:35am |
Are our schools safer now than they were 10 years ago?
10 years after the horrific events at Columbine High School, the myths are being laid to rest. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold weren't goths or loners; they weren't part of the Trench Coat Mafia. They weren't bullied by other students and didn't target any specific group in their attack. Their initial intent -- to bomb their school in an attack they hoped would make them more infamous than Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
Kirsten Kreiling, president of the Columbine Memorial Foundation, realizes many people still accept the myths and hopes the truth of what happened at Columbine will some day replace the popular misconceptions.
"Understanding what happened can help us try to prevent these things from happening again in the future," she said. "If you don't understand history, you are doomed to repeat it."
http://www.usatoday.com:80/news/nation/2009-04-13-columbine-myths_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
Right after the massacre, some schools across the country turned themselves into near-fortresses. Metal detectors and security cameras were installed, drills were mounted, etc. Some of the noticeable security measures remain, but experts say the country is exploring a new way to protect kids from in-school violence.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/20/columbine.school.safety/index.html
CMBren
Sr. Community Moderator
Beauty & Style, Entertainment & Main
Email | iVillage.com
Beauty & Style Boards | Entertainment Boards | Main Boards
About our Boards | Customer Support | Tech Update
Andddd ... they're OFF!
Get Derby Ready!
May 2, Kentucky Derby!!

Register for your chance to win
the ultimate Kentucky Derby party package!

Save $$! Clip your coupons here!
Be Fashion Frugal



I was in the 6th grade, away at camp as a part of the curriculum. When we woke up and were heading back home so the second group of kids could go to camp, we were all gathered by the flag pole for a moment of silence as they told us what had happened.
It was the first time of my life that I actually felt scared and afraid of being in school. I never thought about that happening, and why should I, at that time I was about 12, no 12 year old fears that because you weren't expecting it.
When I reached high school things changed, kids thought it was funny to do bomb scares just because they didn't want to take a test or didn't want to go to a certain class.
The year before I graduated a girl who was often bullied had made a hit list and planned her way to get students out of the building....Everybody at the school knew about exactly what she planned and so forth. It became very well known once she was taken out of school.
I think the government and school boards are trying to make schools safer, especially large city schools with metal detectors, or how you check in at the front desk if you are a visitor,
But there are so many ways to still get in a school.
Who says somebody will actually stop at the office for a guest pass?
Why can't small town schools (like Columbine) all have metal detectors?
Why do we make all entrances to the school glass doors?
Why do we have glass windows beside the door to classrooms (many buildings have this) and then a solid wood door?
Do we think by having all this glass people wont attack it?
And I am not just saying outsiders, because obviously Columbine was a tragedy caused by their own students, but in case of an attack by other students, a lock down wont help much if they can just destroy the glass.
It's disturbing how this all came to be. And that it only seems to get worse.
Ten years ago, my DD was still in elementary school - she would have been a third grader at the time.
Good for you!