School stabbings in New York City prompt debate about metal detectors
NEW YORK (PIX11) — A day after police responded to three school slashings inside New York City public schools, parents and students re-engaged in a passionate debate over whether metal detectors should be installed inside schools, citywide.
Police responded to two teenage boys who stabbed each other Tuesday afternoon during a fight inside the High School of Graphic Communications Arts in Hell’s Kitchen. Metal detectors were in place at only one of the three schools where the slashings occurred – the school in Hell’s Kitchen was not one of them.
Metal detectors set up at Hell’s Kitchen school where 2 students stabbed in fight
Metal detectors were installed for class on Wednesday.
The City Department of Education gives each school the discretion to make the decision whether to have metal detectors.
Greg Floyd, president of the union that represents school safety agents, wants a citywide policy. “There should be metal detectors in every school. It seems like our officials cannot make the right decision to put metal detectors in. We keep dancing around the subject. Meanwhile, children bring knives to school.”
“I think they should have metal detectors,” said one parent while picking up her daughter from school. “Right now, it’s the safety of the kids first.”
Dillon, a graduating senior, says whatever happens, he just wants to feel safe. “I don’t want to have to go to school and fear somebody poking me.”
Teen stabbed in head in Queens: NYPD
Metal detectors in school remain a controversial topic. A report from the non-profit Citizens for Juvenile Justice states, “Students in schools with metal detectors, which typically are schools with greater proportions of students of color, are more likely to perceive violence and disorder and less likely to feel safe than students in schools without metal detectors.”
NYC Public Schools Deputy Press Secretary David Clarke told PIX11 News, “We work closely with the NYPD in prioritizing the safety of our schools. Our school leaders know their schools and campuses best, and requests regarding scanning changes on campus are made in partnership with students, staff, parents, NYPD School Safety, and our unions. Decisions are made based on NYCPS and NYPD review of the school’s data.”
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