I, like many others in Topeka, KS, am deeply concerned with the ongoing issue of school shootings. The distress and fear these incidents induce in our community are undeniable. For many years, we've been witnessing these tragic events repeatedly, causing us all anxiety and worry for our children, their classmates, and school staff. Implementing metal detectors in all of our city’s schools could be a key preventative measure.

We aren't just speaking from a place of fear; our worries are grounded in facts. The Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund reports a total of 80 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in America in 2019 alone. Deterring these incidents by adding metal detectors could save lives. After Philadelphia implemented similar measures in their schools, a 68% decrease was observed in weapon possession rates, according to a study from Northeastern University.

Topeka can be a pioneer city in prioritizing student safety over any other issue. By implementing metal detectors in all schools, we can ensure a safer environment for students, teachers, and all school staff. Turn our fears into action, let’s make a change that could save lives. This protective measure will provide everyone with a sense of safety, and perhaps, most importantly, peace of mind in our day-to-day lives.

We implore you to sign this petition, voicing your support for the installation of metal detectors in all Topeka schools. Together, we can foster safety and security in our educational institutions.