I'm a sophomore in high school who's concerned about the safety of the children in our schools. With all of the recent school threats in our area, children aren't able to go to school and get the education they need without constantly worrying that their lives are going to be threatened.

Recently, school threats have been appearing all over the Gulf Coast. As of September 19, 2024, there have been nine threats in the past three weeks.
Across four counties along the Gulf Coast, there are 259 schools and 154,570 students. Out of these schools, there are only 142 School Resource Officers in total. That's an average of only 0.54 SROs per school, and only one School Resource Officer for every 1089 students. There are just not enough officers to protect our schools. The children in our schools predict the future of our country.

According to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, there have been 180 school shootings since 2009, affecting more than 356 students and staff. In 2019, there were twenty-five school shootings, where at least one person other than the shooter was harmed. 

I believe the only way to solve this issue would be to promote more police officers as School Resource Officers. Having more School Resource Officers in our schools would increase the safety of our schools and ensure children that they are safe.

To the parents, teachers, and students of the Gulf Coast: let us act now to ensure the safety of our students and school staff. Sign this petition if you agree that there should be more SROs in our schools.