On September 16th, I received a distressing phone call informing me that there was a student who brought a firearm to Belleville West High School in Belleville, Illinois. As a concerned member of this community and someone deeply invested in the safety of our children, I am compelled to argue for immediate action: the installation of metal detectors in our high schools.

The presence of firearms in schools is an unfortunate reality that we must address head-on. Statistics indicate that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 15,000 children and teens under the age of 20 die or are injured by firearms each year in the United States. This alarming statistic serves as a clarion call for enhanced security measures in our educational institutions.

Implementing metal detectors would serve as a vital first step in preventing weapons from entering school premises. Several schools across the country, such as those in Chicago, have successfully reduced weapon-related incidents by installing metal detectors and increasing on-site security personnel. These schools have reported a noticeable decrease in violence and a heightened sense of security among students and staff.

By investing in metal detectors, we can create a safer, more secure environment for our children. The process includes procuring the necessary devices, hiring trained personnel to operate them, and setting clear procedures for their daily use to ensure minimal disruption to school operations.

Every parent, teacher, and community member wants to guarantee the safety of students as they pursue their education. It's time we take a proactive stance to protect our youth from potential harm. I urge the Belleville Township High School District 201 to prioritize this measure and allocate resources towards metal detectors installation, ensuring a secure learning environment for all.

Please join me in this crucial effort to make our schools safer by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for the security measures that our children deserve.

Our children deserve to be able to focus on their education without fear of violence.