My name is Julia Curtis, and I am a junior at Palo Alto High School. Recently, another Paly student passed away by suicide. As this issue has been prevalent in PAUSD for over three decades, something must be done.

Since I was a freshman at Paly, there have been four suicides in PAUSD. The root cause of mental health is hard to combat, and often, the more effective solution alongside that is to prevent the ease and accessibility of lethal methods, like the train tracks.

I understand that suicide is a hard topic to combat, but at PAUSD, we have a notorious history (and nationally recognized history) of suicide clusters from the 2000s to the 2010s, to now the 2020s. This is not normal, not okay, and must be combatted with more than the Wellness Center. Providing resources to those dealing with grief is necessary, but it does not stop future deaths. 

To my knowledge, during pre-pandemic years, there have been officers stationed at train tracks who prevented over 11 suicides. This practice has since been replaced with cameras that have obviously not replaced the effectiveness of in-person suicide prevention. Methods like this have also demonstrated substantial effectiveness on other suicide hotspot locations like the Golden Gate Bridge. Studies show that with the elimination of lethal means (like the accessibility of the train tracks in Palo Alto) working TOGETHER with mental health help, suicide decreases substantially.

I propose a reinstatement of in-person guards, trained professionals, who can de-escalate suicide in-person, until a more permanent solution—like grade separation (separating rail from commuters with underpasses, overpasses, etc.)—is put into place. Having safety precautions will prevent any more tragedies until then.

I love my school. However, this diabolical trend must be stopped. Addressing each individual death is not enough. Sending out love and prayers is not enough. It won't stop the suicides. I won't let any more classmates die. 

I think now more than ever it's important to prevent a third suicide cluster from erupting (which, debateably, it already has.)

Please consider signing so I can show Paly Principal Kline, Superintendent Don Austin, the city council, and the school board how much the community cares.

— Julia C