Max Schachter, a grieving father who lost his son Alex in a tragic school shooting, found solace in memories on what would have been Alex’s 21st birthday. The pain of losing Alex at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, alongside 16 other victims, still felt fresh as he reflected on the life that had been cut short. Driven by a mixture of anger and sorrow, Schachter embarked on a mission to make schools safer for all students, including his three other children, so that no parent would have to endure the same heartbreak.
Understanding the Role of Threat Assessment Teams
In his pursuit for safer schools, Schachter delved into the world of threat assessment teams. These teams, comprised of law enforcement and school officials, are charged with identifying potentially dangerous or distressed students, intervening, and ultimately preventing future school shootings. Inspired by the tragic events that unfolded at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Schachter discovered that Florida is one of approximately 18 states that mandate schools to have threat assessment and intervention teams in place. A national survey revealed that an estimated 85% of public schools have such teams dedicated to this crucial task.
These teams, often guided by research from the FBI and the Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), have become a critical component of school safety measures. Despite their prevalence for nearly 25 years, some teams have faced challenges that put them at risk of mislabeling and stigmatizing children. Each state’s requirement for threat assessment teams varies widely, leading to a lack of standardized practices and data collection. This variability presents a hurdle for assessing the efficacy of these teams in proactively identifying and mitigating potential threats.
Challenges and Opportunities in School Threat Assessments
As the debate over the effectiveness of threat assessment teams continues, experts in the field offer invaluable insights into the complexities of these initiatives. Karie Gibson, the chief of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, highlights that school shooters exhibit concerning behaviors over time, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention. However, Dewey Cornell, a forensic clinical psychologist and pioneer in developing guidelines for school threat assessment teams, acknowledges the challenges that have emerged in practice.
One pressing issue is the risk of overreaction, where students may face unwarranted consequences due to perceived threats. The American Psychological Association task force cautioned against zero-tolerance policies, citing instances where students faced severe penalties for minor infractions. This punitive approach can have adverse effects on students’ mental health and well-being, creating additional hurdles in fostering a safe and supportive school environment.
In response to these concerns, schools like the Douglas County School District in Colorado have adopted a proactive and rehabilitative approach to threat assessments. By prioritizing early intervention and support services for students, these districts aim to de-escalate potential threats and address underlying issues. Stephanie Crawford-Goetz, a school psychologist, underscores the importance of distinguishing between transient threats and credible risks, emphasizing the need for a nuanced and compassionate response to student safety concerns.
Advocacy and Equity in School Safety
While threat assessment teams play a vital role in enhancing school safety, there are growing concerns about equity and inclusivity in these initiatives. Advocacy groups have raised alarms about potential biases and injustices perpetuated by threat assessment teams, particularly in cases involving students with disabilities. The National Disability Rights Network highlighted the risk of teams overstepping their mandate by assuming roles beyond assessing immediate threats, potentially infringing on students’ civil rights.
As states like Florida and Texas grapple with the complexities of threat assessment teams, efforts to address these disparities are underway. Florida recently revamped its threat assessment system to streamline response protocols, enhance data collection, and provide greater oversight. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, chair of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in safeguarding students across different educational settings.
As Max Schachter reflects on his journey towards advocating for school safety, the echoes of his son Alex’s untimely passing serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and compassionate approaches to violence prevention in schools. With ongoing efforts to refine threat assessment practices, communities strive to create safer learning environments where every student can thrive and grow.
