New York Will Now Ban This From Taking Place In Schools
New York will no longer allow this to happen in schools around the state. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year there will be a significant change in NY schools.
During a recent meeting the New York State Board of Regents sided with parents, activists and lawmakers, who say the realistic active shooter drills traumatize children and normalize violence. The Regents have decided to ban realistic active shooter drills in NY schools.
Moving forward, the schools will use age-appropriate methods. There won't be and actors, props or violent images during school hours. Parents and guardians will also be alerted at least a week ahead of any drills being executed. According to Sandy Hook Promise,
"Without a doubt, many of us might think active shooter drills are like fire drills. They should help educate and train students on how to take a crisis seriously. Certainly without putting them in harm’s way.
Instead, many of these drills have become live-action simulations of fatal shootings. Rather than empowering students, these simulations can include shooting pellet guns at teachers and spreading fake blood to mimic the scene of a shooting. Sometimes, students aren’t even aware the exercise is just a drill. Moreover, these tactics hurt students and do not help prevent school shootings."
Credit: Sandy Hook Promise via Youtube
According to CBS New York, Sen. Andrew Gounardes is proposing a bill that would change the required number of mandatory lockdown drills in by half, from four to two.
Both public and nonpublic schools around the state will still have to conduct eight evacuation drills and four lockdown drills every year, if the bill does not get passed.
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