I read with alarm the editorial “Arm the Officers: City School Police Should Be Able to Carry Guns” (March 24).

Where is the reasonable analysis, public comment and parental and student input?

As a Pittsburgh school board member, I share the concern for ensuring school safety. But are more guns really the solution to school violence? An armed community resource officer was on duty at Columbine when two students shot 12 other students and one teacher.

“Critical Examinations of School Violence and Disturbance in K-12 Education” edited by Gordon A. Crews (2002) cites a Secret Service study suggesting that “the focus needed to be on pre-attack behaviors” and that “physical security measures, zero tolerance policies, even SROs [school resource officers] are likely to be less than helpful in preventing an incident.” According to the study, most incidents were rarely sudden, impulsive acts. Most attackers had engaged in behavior that caused others concern or indicated a need for help. Most felt injured, persecuted or bullied. Most had experienced significant losses or failures. Most had access to guns.

As I work in schools with today’s youth, I see firsthand that the problems that foster school violence cannot be solved with more guns.

Students need role models, help completing high school and employment to get out of poverty and to avoid the criminal justice system.

If the resources spent on developing and implementing gun policies would be directed toward addressing the root causes of school violence, our students would be far better served. Otherwise, another gun is just a “Band-Aid.”

KEVIN CARTER
CEO
Adonai Center
North Side

The Adonai Center’s mission is to facilitate the social, educational and economic advancement of young men of color and economic disadvantage.

First Published: April 6, 2017, 4:00 a.m.