Since the start of the 2021-22 school year, there have been 29 separate incidents of school shootings, the most fatal being Oxford High School on Tuesday morning.
According to the New York Times, 15-year-old Oxford High School sophomore Ethan Crumbley is in custody being held on dozens of charges, including terrorism, attempted murder and murder. Police discovered videos and a journal revealing Crumbley’s premeditation. His motive, however, has not been revealed. The weapon used belonged to his father, which was a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun purchased just days earlier.
This incident has sparked the resurfacing discussions of gun control and school policies to avoid tragedies such as these in the future.
Freshman Rosalyn Gonzalez believes stricter gun laws are one of the preventative measures that will reduce violence in schools.
“It is not a coincidence that America is really the only country with a school shooting problem,” Gonzalez said.
Other developed nations have taken extra steps to regulate gun usage, and some would like to see similar practices in America.
Senior Samuel Sheedy believes there is no legal solution to the problem.
“Bad people will want to do bad things, and will do anything in their power to make it happen,” Sheedy said. “The only thing that can help prevent this is at the root of the issue, and that would be communication within the family.”
Antioch Community High School Principal Eric Hamilton made an announcement on Wednesday morning sending his sympathies to those in Michigan. He continues to stress to students that ACHS is a safe building, while also reminding them to speak up if they ever see anything suspicious.
Some students feel secure knowing that recent ALICE procedures District 117 has implemented are an empowering alternative to traditional passive lockdown methods. ALICE, standing for alert, lockdown, inform, counter and evacuate, are steps that allow students to make their own decisions about how to deal with an intruder.
“I know that our community is safe, protective and supported by administrators,” freshman Vivan Lorch said.
Gonzalez also agrees that Antioch is doing a good job at educating students and putting extra steps in place to combat this issue.
“I am glad Antioch is staying aware of the gun violence in American schools,” Gonzalez said.
Despite the reassurance, not all students feel at ease.
“I am a little afraid to attend school after seeing how common these events have become,” junior Addison Gjelsten said. “It is not something unheard of in this country anymore.”
Oxford residents gather together during this time to mourn, while other schools around the state and country join them. School violence continues to be a concern among parents, teachers and students.
