Schools have long been a battleground for the fight over equitable education, serving as a nexus of controversy and systemic inequality. The recent tragedy at Apalachee High School, where 14-year-old Colt Gray, a misguided terrorist, took the lives of four individuals, starkly exposes the inability of administrators and policymakers to see through a restorative lens. This incident is not just a reflection of a broken individual but a symptom of a much larger, systemic problem that continues to disenfranchise Black communities and perpetuate white supremacy.
Our schools are failing to protect our children, not only from external threats but also from the internal, systemic injustices that undermine their right to a safe and equitable education. The presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools, often untrained in active shooter situations and de-escalation techniques, raises critical questions about the allocation of resources and the true priorities of our educational institutions.
Moreover, the broader issue of policing in America cannot be ignored. Current police officers, both inside and outside of schools, are often ill-equipped to protect and serve all communities effectively. This inadequacy is overshadowed by the historical roots of policing in the United States, which began as slave patrols designed to control and oppress Black populations. Over time, this legacy has evolved, with law enforcement agencies developing immune responses that protect and preserve white supremacy.
This historical context is crucial in understanding why the current system fails to address the needs of marginalized communities. The school-to-prison pipeline is a direct consequence of these systemic issues, funneling students—particularly those from Black and Brown communities—into the criminal justice system rather than providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers, and students with disabilities are twice as likely to receive out-of-school suspensions.
I recall a conversation with a parent from our community who shared their fears about sending their child to school. “Every morning, I worry if my child will come back home safely,” they said. This fear is not unfounded. It is a reflection of the systemic failures that have left our schools vulnerable and our children unprotected.
A Black male teacher who witnessed the impact of inadequate mental health resources firsthand said, “I had a student who was clearly struggling, but there was no counselor available to help him. Eventually, he got into trouble and was suspended. It broke my heart because I knew he needed support, not punishment.”
This teacher, like many Black male educators, finds himself wearing multiple hats—role model, disciplinarian, and ambassador for students who look like him. These educators often bear the brunt of addressing behavioral issues and providing emotional support, roles that their white counterparts are frequently ill-equipped to handle.
Adding to the injustice, local news outlet WSB-TV initially plastered the image of a 14-year-old Black victim, Mason Schermerhorn, as the shooter without confirmation. The actual shooter, who happened to be white, was known by local law enforcement for communicating a similar threat the previous year. Mason had autism, and his family pleaded with people to help find him.
“If he is escalated, PLEASE use a calm voice with him,” the family wrote. “Let him know his mom is looking for him for reassurance.”
This misidentification not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also underscores the systemic biases that continue to plague our society. Despite retracting the story, WSB-TV has not issued any comment or apology to Mason’s family, who are already grappling with the loss of their special needs child. This incident is a glaring example of confirmation bias, where assumptions based on race led to the premature and incorrect identification of Mason as the shooter.
The issue of media accountability is critical in this context. According to a Pew Research Center report, 85% of U.S. adults believe that Americans’ level of agreement on basic facts about issues and events is a problem, with 42% saying it is a very big problem. Furthermore, 81% of people believe social media has increased accountability for businesses, and 86% of Americans believe transparency from businesses is more important than ever before.
Yet, incidents like the misidentification of Mason Schermerhorn highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving true media accountability and transparency.
Legislators must enact comprehensive reforms that prioritize the safety and mental health of our students. School districts should allocate resources towards effective training for SROs and the development of mental health programs. Parents and community members must continue to advocate for these changes, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
Our children deserve nothing less than to learn in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from the threat of violence.