Oliver Coan (286)
Staff Writer

School shootings have been a problem ever since most of us can remember. Every year, every month, a shooting happens. It’s something I’m used to hearing about. In high school, I had to experience the realities of it. The metal detectors remind me of the risk I, my classmates, and millions more students, think about every day. On the one hand, they make me feel safe. Ari Felderman (287) feels they keep us safe, saying, “Although it is tedious to walk through in the morning and the lines, I think it is important for my safety and everyone’s safety.” Our safety is in the staff’s hands, and I trust that they will keep us protected. On the other hand, although it doesn’t feel like a prison, as some may say, I don’t feel totally secure either. Many of my peers are also skeptical of their effectiveness. Everyday, I see someone go through these detectors and I hear beeping. Obviously, this can be from someone with a belt, someone walking too close to the machine, or someone keeping their headphones in. That is usually the case, but it definitely is a little worrisome when this happens.

Studies and research have shown that metal detectors aren’t as impactful as one may think. The National School Safety and Security Services states that the only way they are useful is if the human element behind them is knowledgeable.

The schools devotion to protection was highlighted by the school threat posted on September 16 on Instagram. I remember seeing everyone talk about it. What the next day at school was going to look like was on everybody’s mind. As I and every other Central student arrived to school, we saw the multiple cop cars, police officers, and faculty outside the building. Despite all this, the whole day I felt scared to go to the bathroom during class. The reality of a school shooting had hit me. Yes, I knew it was a real and constant threat, but I always saw Central as the last place it would happen. Andrew Linn (284) told me how he felt that the detectors should work better, and that the threat the other week would “hopefully” be stopped by the security in place. We shouldn’t have to be “hopeful” we are safe. We should know. The fact that there is always a chance would make anyone worry.

The threats last week definitely reminded me of the reality I live in, but after seeing the effort the faculty put into the situation I felt a whole lot safer. The multiple kind and educated counselors, security guards, teachers, assistant principals, and President Davis have created an environment where students can feel safe. Still, there’s always a risk, and this unsettling feeling will never leave me or some other students. The metal detectors are definitely an unfortunate sign of the times.