Gun Violence Pledge

I have investigated a number of school safety measures administrators and teachers can implement. I've discovered one that asks students to be responsible for schools safe. It's called the Student Gun Violence Pledge. You can visit their website at http://www.pledge.org/ .

According to the website, this concept evolved from the Senate in 1996. It was called the Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence. President Clinton made it an official presidential proclamation. Over ten years later it is still going strong. Each year a day in the month of October is disignated for students to sign a pledge. There has been a tremendous amount of participation thus far. I believe the website showed 2.4 million students had taken the pledge in 2000. So, you can only imagine how many people have been a part of this pledge since then.

Students sign a pledge card promising not to bring a gun to school, not to resort to using a gun to solve an argument, and to encourage friends not to use guns as a means of resolving an issue. In addition to the pledge the website offers some ideas for implementing the Day of National Concern About Young and Gun Violence.

This is a great way for students to take ownership of their behavior. This pledge allows students to contribute to school safety. Most school safety measures invovle fancy equipment or elaborate plans. Instead, students take responsibility for their own actions in order to keep the school safe. Kids become part of the solution.

This reminded me so much of pledges to remain alcohol free that SADD hands out during prom. Although well intentioned, many of the kids who sign those promise cards drink anyways. Even the "good" students slip up and get caught drinking. I've known peers that signed the alcohol promise card in high school; then, turned around and got drunk at Prom.

Is that what this student pledge against gun violence is like? Students pledge not to bring guns to school, but do anyway. Almost everyone would agree that a student who committs violence at school was mentally disturbed. No one in their right mind walks into a school and carries out a violent act. Is a person in a deranged state of mind thinking about a pledge they signed a few months before never to bring a gun to school? Is the promise not to solve an arguement with gun violence in the back of your head when you are provoked and in the heat of the moment?

I have no doubt that this student pledge against gun violence is well intentioned. However, I think it keeps the honest man honest. Those people that value their word will keep their promise. Those people that don't care and signed it so they didn't look bad will not take it as seriously. Those students who are distraught will not consider the pledge before doing something drastic.

The pledge is an interesting concept. It allows students to take an active role in promoting school safety. I am skeptical, though, as to how effective it is in deterring violence. So, what do you think?