A recent lockdown at Johnston middle school has thrust the subject of our children's safety into sharp reality for many Johnston students, parents, teachers, and community members. With the frequency of school shooting incidents rising in recent years, the need to positively address this matter is urgent and personal. It is a necessity for our community to make decisive steps towards ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. 

Statistically speaking, more than 187,000 students have been exposed to gun violence at school since Columbine in 1999. A 2018 report from the Center for Homeland Defense & Security shows a stark increase in the number of school shootings after 1970. Such incidences underscore a need for increased security measures in our schools.

As such, our call is direct and clear - we demand that metal detectors be installed at the front entrances of all public school buildings within the Johnston school district. This is not a request born out of paranoia, but rather a preventative measure based on observed patterns in our society.

Let us not wait for yet another warning before we take action. It is our duty to defend our children's right to safety and peace of mind in their learning environment. Thus, we implore our local decision-makers to rise to the occasion. Please sign this petition and support the call for metal detectors in all Johnston public schools now. Let's put the safety of our children first.