As a resident and parent of Geary County, KS, USA, this measure deeply resonates with me due to the alarming rise in school shooting violence and murders in institutions across our country. Our children's safety should be paramount, and it's heart-wrenching to see the loss of life due to acts of violence within what should be safe learning environments. A clear and immediate solution is the mandatory roll out of metal detectors in all middle, high, and elementary schools starting these new safety measures in USD475 from the 2024/2025 school year and beyond. 

Sadly, More than 383,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. There have been 417 school shootings since 1999, according to The Washington Post data. Furthermore, an analysis conducted by the Center for Homeland Defense & Security in 2020 showed that school shootings were happening more frequently and claiming more lives. 

It's evident that metal detectors have successfully deterred violence in other areas. The National Institute of Justice reports that 88% of public schools using metal detectors witnessed a decrease in violent incidents. It's time we bring this level of security to our schools in Geary County, particularly within the USD475 school district.

This is an urgent call to our local policymakers, parents, and residents: it's time to prioritize our children's safety in schools.

Please join our plea to make the mandatory installation of metal detectors in USD475 schools a reality from the 2024/2025 school year onwards.

Sign this petition to make our schools a safer place for our children. No child should fear going to school with a back pack and leaving in a body bag.