School shootings in Denver, Colorado, and everywhere, are very scary because students can get injured or killed.  School shootings are very traumatic and need to be stopped. Many parents and students are very scared that one day this will happen in the schools around them. Kids are learning ways to protect themselves in case a school shooting ever happens. At East High School in Denver, Colorado, they have had two shootings just this year. One school shooting left two administrators injured and left more than 100 students in a lockdown. The shooter, Austin Lyle, committed suicide later that week. Another shooting was a kid by the name of Luis Garcia. He was shot while he was waiting inside his car and unfortunately died two weeks later.

The board of education adds to these shootings saying, “We are devastated to learn that once again East High School has experienced gun violence. We first want to extend our support and care to the two school deans who were shot. We also share a concern for the students, staff, and families of East who are once again experiencing a traumatic event due to gun violence. We know this tests all of our resolve to pursue safe and welcoming schools for our students.  Please join us in supporting the East community during this difficult time.”

“The DPS Board of Education supports the decision of Superintendent Marrero to work in partnership with local law enforcement to create safer learning spaces across Denver Public Schools for the remainder of this school year. In addition, we will continue to work collaboratively with our community partners including law enforcement and our local & state legislature to make our community safer. We know you will join us in rallying around the employees impacted and supporting them in their journey to recovery as well as rallying around all of our students and their families.” Families do think these ideas are good, but will it stop gun violence?

McAuliffe also received a threat on September 20th saying “ Yall boys talkin’ all that s**t on my name I got something for that whole school today. I wouldn’t come today if I was you.” Many parents and students were very scared and called the police. That day was very scary and chaotic. The police didn’t find out who made the threat and closed the case. Even a threat was scary for everyone leaving people wondering, what will be next? 

Here are some words from the students at Mcauliffe International:

Q: What is your point of view on gun violence?

A: “I think it’s really sad, and I don’t think it should be happening as often.”

Q: What could the school do to make you and others feel safe?

A: “Increase security because a lot of people do get past it.”

Q: how often are you worried that one day you will go to school and something will happen?

A: “I haven’t really thought about it until we got that threat, I’ve been thinking about it more now.”

Many students had the same answer. Gun violence isn’t okay, and they are afraid to go to school. 

Many students are taking self-defense classes and other things in case they need to protect themselves. It’s sad and disappointing that kids need to think about this.