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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 5, 2024 02:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Trauma-Informed School Active Shooter Drill Practices |
| Pennsylvania law requires public schools to conduct one school security drill per year to prepare students and staff for a possible active shooter threat. However, there is no federal or state standard for the content of these drills. As a result, many advocates have expressed concerns about some tactics used by some school districts which could harm student mental health. These methods include unannounced drills and theatrical elements such as simulated gunfire, wounds, and actors portraying themselves as an active shooter or victims. Research suggests, that, understandably, the elements of these high-intensity drills could cause trauma for participating students. My legislation would create new requirements for school active shooter drills to ensure that students continue to learn important procedures but in a mentally healthy way. Among other provisions, this bill would require drills to be age- and developmentally-appropriate and include trauma-informed approaches to address the concerns and well-being of students and staff. To do so, the bill requires that school mental health staff be consulted regarding the content of these drills. The bill would also prohibit any sensorial tactics intended to mimic or simulate an active shooter or other incident of school violence. Additionally, this legislation would require schools to inform students, staff, and parents of a drill prior to it being conducted. These provisions will help avoid unintended consequences of active shooter drills by requiring trauma-informed procedures. Similar provisions have been implemented in states such as Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Minnesota. Further, groups such as the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the National Education Association, and the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund have previously spoken to the importance of announcing school active shooter drills before they occur. School shootings have caused so much harm across our country but, in trying to prepare our children to protect themselves in such an event, we should avoid tactics that could cause mental harm. Please consider joining me in supporting this legislation to help keep our children safe from potential acts of violence while ensuring that drill procedures are conducted in a manner considerate of their mental health. |