I, like many parents around the nation, know the pain and fear of living through a nearby school shooting. The incident that occurred uncomfortably close to our households had a profound effect on us, raising concerns about the safety of our children and their teachers. Regardless of its distance from home, a single school shooting is one too many. I believe it's time we take a unified, proactive measure to protect our young ones and the devoted educators shaping them by implementing metal detectors in schools across the country.

Study data from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security showed that 2018 witnessed 97 school shooting incidents, a frightening all-time high in the history of the US. The increasing number not only underlines the severity and immediacy of this problem, but also exposes our inadequate security measures in educational institutions. Introduction of metal detectors in schools is an urgent requirement that would serve as an added line of defense, mitigating the risks of such tragedies.

We cannot allow ourselves to be complacent when our children's safety is at stake. It is imperative that we prioritize their security where they should feel most safe - their educational institutions. A future with school violence as a norm is unacceptable - instead, all of us must envision a future where our children can focus on learning without fear. Sign this petition and let's demand together that the implementation of metal detectors in schools nationwide becomes a reality as soon as possible.