How schools are being built to thwart shooters
(NewsNation) — More than six years after the 2018 massacre in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 people dead, the high school building where the tragedy occurred is being demolished.
In response, school administrators nationwide are focused on architectural strategies to prevent future incidents like Parkland and similar tragedies from the past two decades.
How can schools enhance safety in the design stage?
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was preserved for evidence reasons and is being torn down as schools nationwide aren't only changing how students prepare and practice for potential attacks, but also reconsidering seating arrangements, entry and exit strategies, and the overall design of classrooms and school buildings.
While many campuses have metal detectors, architects are taking a step further by designing open, welcoming environments that prevent isolating students, and ensure first responders can access campuses quickly in the worst-case scenarios.
Schools nationwide have been making upgrades for some time. These changes range from subtle adjustments to significant overhauls.
What kind of changes are schools implementing?
Architects emphasize features such as fencing, limited entry points that can be locked during school hours, multi-point buzzer systems, minimal landscaping to reduce hiding places, and shatter-resistant film over windows.
For students, measures include clear backpacks, safe rooms in classrooms, and even whiteboards that can be used as bulletproof shields.
Kenneth Trump, a school safety consultant, told NewsNation that while schools can improve the physical features, students and staff need to understand how to use these safety features.
"You can either combine some basic fundamental physical security measures, limited access, secured vestibules, visitor management, adult supervision of children in common areas while still having the first and best line of defense being a well-trained highly alert staff and student body," said Trump, president of the National School Safety & Security Services.
Every school and state handles safety uniquely, with no set federal guidelines.
The International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Association (CPTED), a nonprofit with the motto "designing out crime," offers guidance.
Critics argue there should be stricter gun laws rather than focusing on altering school designs.