Are We Becoming Numb to School Shootings and Violence?

This past week, an elementary school that holds a special place in my heart and my community was impacted by a threat posted on social media. Thankfully, the threat was reported to law enforcement, and the individual responsible was apprehended. While I am grateful that the threat was taken seriously, the experience is a sobering reminder of how quickly fear can reach into a school community.

How many times must we read another headline about school violence before we stop and ask ourselves: Are we becoming numb to the fear, the threats and the loss of innocent lives?

A little over a year ago, Robin Cogan wrote about this devastating public health crisis. Her words remain painfully relevant as the pattern of school violence continues. As Robin reminded us through her relentless advocacy, behind every statistic are real people, families and communities.

We cannot wait until tragedy strikes close to home to recognize the urgency of this crisis. Robin’s words challenge us to look beyond the headlines, reject complacency and demand meaningful change.

We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the numbers or believe it will never happen to us, because sometimes, it does.

Continuing Robin’s mission with love,

Eileen Gavin

Read Robin’s Powerful Words on School Shootings and Violence

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