School shootings have been the biggest nightmare that any school system could face. Just hours after he killed his parents, Kip Kinkel opened fire at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon. Two classmates were killed and 25 others injured. “Goddamn these voices inside my head,” screamed Kinkel during his interrogation. Doctors called by Kinkel’s de0fense team testified at his sentencing hearing that they found Kinkel to be a paranoid schizophrenic driven to kill by hallucinations. Psychologists say that some of his actions were influenced by violence seen on television and video games. “We need to do a better job as a society working with our children and maybe turn off the T.V. Where all t

In the process of the school massacre, one of the gunmen reportedly asked one of the female students if she believed in God. When she answered yes, she was shot in the face. Prayer in school is a solution to a wide range of problems, both real and exaggerated, which confronts kids and the rest of America. Although prayer is restricted in schools, the Department of Education allows and encourages faith-based groups in public schools. The goal for faith-based groups is to form a partnership as a way to promote scholastics and protect students from drug abuse. “Studies show that children involved in religious activities are less likely to use drugs,” President Clinton said during a radio address. The Department of Education has released a list of guidelines for public schools and faith-based organizations to follow as a way to stay within the boundaries of the constitution, but critics say that is a line likely will be crossed.

Due to the increasing amount of schoool shootings, school authorities are increasing security measures by adding surveillance cameras, more police officers, and including “intruder alert” evacuation to insure the safety of students and faculty. Some experts on school safety wonder whether the pricey high-tech route is the answer. (Monster Among Us) Columbine High, for instance, had an armed security guard on the premises. (Chronis) Although video cameras might h

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A&M University, Department Education, Steve Davis, Springfield Oregon, Littleton Colorado, Heath Schools-just, Joyce Niftier, Monster Columbine, , Portland Oregon, school shootings, school safety, public schools, gun control, department education, youth violence,