“On Monday, it was reported to [Austin’s] Westlake administrators that someone wrote ‘Bomb 2/8/17’ on a bathroom wall,” Eanes ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tom Leonard writes in an email to parents. “Once we were made aware of the threat, we immediately began working with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) and district security to investigate and initiate our safety protocols.” And so . . .
out of an abundance of caution, we are implementing the following proactive efforts to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We will:
– conduct a search with law enforcement and canine units to secure Westlake High School;
– increase law enforcement patrols around Westlake High School;
– maintain an extra adult presence throughout the building
Additionally, “We expect our students to attend school, but also respect that parents have the right to make an informed decision of what is best for their child. Students will not be penalized if parents choose to keep them at home.”
What bothers me the most about this situation: Dr. Leonard’s promise of “extra adult presence throughout the building.” Unarmed extra adults, as per Eanes ISD’s strict adherence to Bush the Elder’s Gun Free School Zone Act.
With certain notable exceptions, in places where teachers and/or parents can exercise their natural, civil and Constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms (e.g. Utah), American schools are soft targets. Targets that have been attacked, with tremendous loss of life.
The Westlake threat highlights the potential for additional carnage. And it’s not first threat against the High School; a student was tweeting about shooting-up the school (he was arrested). Dr. Leonard’s response is welcome, but doesn’t go far enough.
Meanwhile, do you think I should I take my daughter out of school tomorrow?