Schools in Seattle are dealing with threats of violence that have resulted in criminal charges for some teenagers. School District officials say the increase in threats has been an issue since students returned to in-person school full time. Even other parts of the nations haven’t seen this type of uprise. The pandemic may be fueling some of the threats, they say.
“We have a pandemic that we’re already kind of depleted from somewhat and now you layer back on what we’ve always struggled with these past 20 years with school shootings and violence on campuses,” said Erin Romanuk, a student-support-services manager at Seattle Schools.
There were at least seven threats of violence directed at Seattle Schools in the first weeks of December. The threats forced lockdowns at some schools and caused classes to be canceled. The threats at Seattle schools turned out to be hoaxes. But all threats, even if they are pranks, are taken “immensely seriously,” said Hung chief of the juvenile division at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Seattle students organized a rally outside district headquarters to demand stronger safety protocols and more mental health resources. The students also called for more time and space to process traumatic events. Students want Seattle Schools to be more transparent about the number of COVID-19 cases it would take to close a school. They’re asking for more mental health resources for students, teachers and the community. And they would like the district to provide a safe space for students and educators after traumatic instances occur.
“Students don’t feel safe in school, students feel like our voices aren’t being heard,” said Rena Mateja, a senior at Cleveland High and a member of the NAACP Youth Council. “Educators have been putting their livelihoods on the line just to keep us safe. When we walk into the building, we shouldn’t have to worry about dying, we shouldn’t have to worry about gun threats or anything like that.”
Students also want Gov. Jay Inslee to change a state requirement that there be 180 days of in-person instruction each school year. Students want more remote learning options and are asking Seattle Schools to set up a meeting with Inslee. Seattle School Board President Brandon Hersey, who attended the rally, said in an interview that he is willing to try to set up an interview with the governor. He said it’s important that Inslee hear directly from students.
