Campaign to Stem
Societal Violence

Schools -- Introductory Letter from Frank DeAngelis, Columbine High School

During the first full week of April, schools across the country -- in partnership with communities and postsecondary institutions, where applicable -- will speak out, engage in dialogue, and take action to stem the tide of societal violence. DOWNLOAD SECONDARY RESOURCES (450 KB PDF) How Can Your School Participate in Enough is Enough? By visiting this website, you have already taken the first step. Please let us know of your interest in holding events at your school by sending an e-mail to enough@naspa.org. This will also ensure that you are kept up-to-date regarding the campaign. and additional resource materials, as they are made available. Contained on this website are suggestions for events during "Enough is Enough" Week, as well as tips on how to organize and publicize your events. Do as much or as little as is appropriate for your school.

On April 20, 1999, the worst high school shooting in the world occurred at Columbine High School, in Littleton, Colorado. It is a day that had a major impact on everyone's lives around the world. At times, it seems like the tragedy occurred just yesterday and at other times it seems like an eternity. We had to redefine normal. As a school community, we have learned how to cope. The theme at the one-year anniversary was a "Time to Remember, A Time to Hope."

I can remember stating publicly that I hope that the students and teacher who so tragically lost their lives did not die in vain; and that there were lessons to be learned as a result of the disaster. It is unfortunate that I became an expert on school violence as a result of the Columbine tragedy. I was never trained to deal with such a horrific event; but I felt it was my responsibility to bring our devastated community back from the ashes. To help members of society answer the frightening questions about school violence.

In starting my faithful journey to recovery the most asked question was, "What could we do to prevent another Columbine from happening?" After the tragedy there were many experts on the subject who suggested that we use armed guards, metal detectors, and surveillance cameras in our schools. I challenged the recommendations because when does a school become a fortress and would any of the aforementioned precautions have prevented a Columbine tragedy from occurring? I felt the question that needed to be answered was what created so much hate in the hearts of the murderers that they carried out such an evil act of terrorism. Money should not be spent on metal detectors or surveillance cameras but on programs that teach students about respect for one another and respect for life.

The second most asked question continues to be, "What are you going to do as a school to prevent violence." My response is, "What are we going to do as a society?" It will take a team effort to combat violence in our society. Enough is Enough is a program that addresses my concerns. Educators, law enforcement agents, judges, parents and students must come together to address the violence in our society. Our future begins today.

My hope is that school violence comes to an end, and that our nation is not mourning the loss of more of our children and educators; and that the members of our society come together to stop the senseless deaths that are occurring. Our children are our future and we must continue to pave the way for a safe and successful journey.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Frank DeAngelis
Principal
Columbine High School