Public Schools – A Breeding Ground for Violence
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006By Mimi Rothschild
Most of us remember that fateful day in April of 1999 when two youngsters opened fire on their classmates in Littleton, Colorado. I, along with countless other parents across the nation, breathed a sigh of relief and immediately thanked God that I had chosen to pull my children out of public school. The most drastic violence I have to worry about is a bruised shoulder or pulled hair.
Although a series of school shootings have occurred between now and then, these shootings don’t get the coverage they did during the next year. The Littleton massacre is still the bloodiest of the shootings, but the frequency of lesser school violence has only increased since then. Shockingly, sixteen instances of school shootings have occurred in 2006 so far. Compare that to the single school shooting of 1993. Because these stories have become so commonplace, the mainstream media has shied away from covering them. Dying children just doesn’t sell papers like they used to.
Take a look at this map, illustrating violence that has taken place in our schools. As you can see, the threat of school shootings is not limited by economic or geographic factors. All over the country, children continue to open fire on other children. Our government has responded by placing excessive restrictions on students. For instance, a young girl was recently disciplined for bringing nail clippers to school in her backpack. Clearly, the excessive safety measures that have been taken have not lessened the suffering.
But why is this the violence happening? Many analysts blame violent films and videogames or the availability of firearms. These academic “experts” never point their accusatory fingers at themselves. I would argue that the nature of public schooling itself is partially to blame. Students are herded around like faceless drones, with little attention paid to their personal needs or development. During much of the school day, teachers cannot possibly supervise every interaction among students, leading to bullying, exclusion, and hurt feelings. As the years pass, many students, although surrounded by their peers, begin to feel more and more alone in the world. They don’t relate to anyone, and they feel as though no one understands them. They are treated as another number in a spreadsheet. It’s no wonder that these poor souls lash out against the world, as they see it. The world has failed them!
School shootings are not only a cause of fear and frustration in schools, they are an effect. Even if no students take that drastic step, it doesn’t mean that your local school isn’t simmering with hatred, angst, and confusion. These conditions exist at most schools. God has been pushed out, and a spirit of rebellion has taken His place.
Take a look at this KSL news report. Parents across the country are pulling their students out of unsafe public schools. There is an answer. Homeschooled children get parental care 24/7. Their specific needs are met throughout the day. Bullies and cliques are nonexistent. Most importantly, mom or dad is always there for a hug.