Since 1992 there has been an extreme amount of shootings in schools all over the world, with a number as great as 382, (www.stoptheshootings.org). The most recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school was one that shook the nation to its core. Small children with promising futures had their lives stolen from them in a senseless act of violence. Enough is enough! This petition I've created is to advocate for the implementation of security in all grade schools within the state of Maryland. This is to include elementary, junior high and high school.  I am advocating for the presence of armed off duty police officers to guard and monitor entrances/exits in order to prevent a foreign intrusion. These men/women should be placed on staff and payroll. I am also asking that the state create structured programs for mental health and counseling. The mental health and counseling program should be one that offers a safe haven for children and adolescents to speak freely with a professional provided by the state.

It takes a village to raise a child, and we as a community have to stand up. It is our duty to protect our children as they continue to pursue their educations. There is no measure of security that can be considered too great when it comes to them. These children are the future of this great nation, and without them we have no promise for tomorrow. The Declaration of Independence states that we all are entitled to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”, and without the preservation of life these children will not live to seek what has been promised to them.  If we invest in them they will in turn invest in us. Let’s not bury another young soul…..