Protecting Schools: A Report on Safety Measures and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The ongoing debate on how to protect schools from violent attacks presents multiple perspectives. This report examines these viewpoints, emphasizing the importance of aligning school safety strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Contrasting Perspectives on School Safety

1. Reactive Approach: Advocates argue that having armed defenders can reduce casualties during an active shooter event by intervening promptly.
2. Preventive Approach: Others emphasize preventing attackers from entering schools altogether, focusing on deterrence and early intervention.

Both approaches address different aspects of the problem, and the choice of strategy depends on the primary objective—whether to enhance actual safety or to address emotional and political concerns.

Disparity Between Rhetoric and Practice

While public debates often suggest restricting firearms for ordinary citizens, political and social elites typically employ armed security measures to protect themselves and their families. This discrepancy highlights challenges in policy implementation and public trust, relevant to SDG 16’s focus on inclusive and effective institutions.

Challenges for the General Population

• Unlike elites, most individuals rely on public transportation and public schools, where security is less controlled.
• The evolving social landscape, influenced by media and technology, has increased risks such as notoriety-seeking violence.
• Addressing these challenges requires community-based solutions that align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Current Realities in School Protection

Law enforcement agencies face limitations due to manpower constraints, with approximately one officer per 400 people in the U.S., making comprehensive school protection difficult. This situation underscores the need for innovative and sustainable safety measures consistent with SDG 16.

Effective Solutions and Their Alignment with SDGs

1. Armed Staff in Schools: Some schools have implemented policies allowing trained staff to carry firearms, resulting in millions of days of armed defense without the need to discharge weapons.
2. Deterrence Through Policy: Removing “gun-free zone” signs may reduce the likelihood of attacks by denying perpetrators unarmed targets.

These measures contribute to safer learning environments, supporting SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive and safe educational settings.

Understanding the Behavior of Attackers

• Attackers often plan extensively and seek out gun-free zones to minimize resistance.
• Policies that allow armed defense may deter attacks, as no mass shootings have occurred in schools with such policies publicly acknowledged.

Political and Social Considerations

Political resistance to armed defense in schools often stems from emotional responses rather than empirical evidence. Balancing political will with effective safety measures is crucial for sustainable development and social stability (SDG 16).

Summary of Findings

• Mass shootings in schools are rare but devastating.
• Armed defenders have successfully stopped mass shootings in public spaces approximately once a month.
• No mass shootings have occurred in schools with publicly acknowledged armed staff policies, suggesting deterrence effects.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The question of how to protect schools depends on the goals set by policymakers and communities. Evidence suggests that trained, armed staff can enhance safety and reduce casualties, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 4 by promoting health, well-being, and quality education.

Furthermore, transparent policies and community engagement are essential for building trust and effective institutions, supporting SDG 16.

Ultimately, adopting evidence-based safety measures and fostering inclusive dialogue can contribute to safer schools and stronger communities.

Author Information

Rob Morse writes about gun rights and self-defense topics on his SlowFacts blog and hosts related podcasts.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the safety and protection of students in schools, which relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Protection of schools and students is essential for providing safe and inclusive learning environments.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article addresses public safety concerns in schools and communities, which relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Issues of violence, law enforcement, and protection from mass shootings relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and providing access to justice.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents (implied in concerns about safe transportation to school).
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (implied in law enforcement and school security policies).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.4
   • Number of violent incidents or mass shootings in schools and their fatality rates.
2. Indicator for SDG 4.a
   • Proportion of schools with implemented safety policies such as armed staff or other protective measures.
3. Indicator for SDG 11.7
   • Availability and accessibility of safe public spaces including schools and transportation routes.
4. Indicator for SDG 16.1
   • Number of deaths and injuries from mass shootings and violent attacks in public spaces, including schools.
   • Response time of law enforcement to violent incidents.
5. Additional Implied Indicators
   • Number of schools with policies allowing armed staff and the frequency of incidents where armed staff intervened.
   • Public perception and political support for different school safety measures.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: buckeyefirearms.org