Tragedy at Virginia Tech
Top story: Virginia Tech killer had at least 377 rounds of ammunitionMORE HEADLINES on the aftermath of the Virginia Tech tragedy:
--Graduation ceremony remembers victims with moment of silence
--Review panel will not dwell on emergency response
--Class of 2007, forever scarred by tragedy, are about to graduate
--School threats continue to cite Virginia Tech
--Injured students begin to move forward
--Bomb threat found in classroom building before deadly shooting
--Virginia Tech must decide what to do with Norris Hall
Information on the shooting and its aftermath from Virginia Tech's web site.
CAMPUS SECURITY RESOURCES: Here are recent articles from American School & University magazine addressing school security issues:
- ASSESSING THREATS: In determining whether a student's behavior is threatening, school administrators should assess the threat-maker's ability to carry out the act. A grade- school student who shouts out the words “I am going to nuke this place” needs to be disciplined. The school does not necessarily need to be evacuated. On the other hand, if a student has been targeted by bullies and has made veiled comments to people witnessing his or her torment, he or she should be investigated. Read the AS&U article
- CRISIS PLANNING: Schools and universities should be re-evaluating their emergency-preparedness plans. continually. But officials have to make sure that their concerns about potential terrorism and other major threats do not overshadow the need to have plans in place for other disasters and emergencies. Read the AS&U article.
- STAYING PREPARED: Educators today have to deal with many of the same problems facing local police — drug sales, weapons possession, arson and gang violence. By preparing for these problems, education administrators can be ready to handle difficult situations and deter crime. Education administrators should identify potential weaknesses in their campus security, plug the gaps and help make schools a safe haven for students and teachers. Read the AS&U article
- CAMERA SURVEILLANCE: Campus surveillance cameras aren't just novelties reserved for the most troublesome parts of school facilities and grounds. With the advance of technology, schools can have more cameras covering more parts of their campuses delivering better pictures. Read the AS&U article.
- ANALYZING RISKS: In an effort to reduce risks, education institutions are beginning to conduct risk analysis and vulnerability assessments of their campuses. The purpose of a security assessment is to highlight general and specific findings, and briefly describe recommended improvements required to strengthen security. Read the AS&U article.
- DESIGN and SAFETY: Many design attributes that promote safety can be included in new or renovated school facilities. They can help create a safe school without a prison-like atmosphere. Read the AS&U article.
Earlier Headlines:
--"Classes seem so unimportant"
--Security: How much is too much?
--Virginia Tech will have text messaging for emergencies
--When creative writing crosses the line
--Some in Texas want to end gun ban on college campuses
--Loophole that allowed gun purchase is closed
--Will Virginia Tech students come back in the fall?
--Weighing campus mental health and safety resources
--Pennsylvania community college still closed because of threats
--FBI has Virginia Tech students fill out questionnaires
--Blacksburg school tries to help students who lost parents at Virginia Tech
--Police provide more details of shooting, but have uncovered no motive
--After tragedy, campus community adjusts to changes
--Police search Virginia Tech residence hall for clues to massacre
--President orders federal review of Virginia Tech massacre
--Police want students to stop playing "Assassin" game
--Group seeks greater awareness of mental illness on college campuses
--Other threats: Student arrested at City College of San Francisco
--Three-quarters of Virginia Tech's students returned to class Monday
--Teachers, students say they're committed to healing
--Bells serve as memorial at campus ceremony
--Change in Virginia gun laws sought
--Senate hearing looks at campus mental health resources
--Virginia Tech students return to classes this morning.
--Cho was a silent and withdrawn boy who was eclipsed by his sister's successes
--An awkward weekend passes on Virginia Tech campus
--Numerous threats of violence rattle California schools
--Killer's anger was displayed in his writings
--NBC defends airing of killer's tape
--Copycat threats disrupt schools and universities
--Safety concerns compel University of Pennsylvania to tone down ritual
--Florida universities want funds to upgrade emergency systems
--Killer's video: "You forced me into a corner and gave me only one option."
--California man threatens violence that would make Virginia Tech "look mild"
--Police learn little from gunman's videos
--Federal law limits how schools can deal with mentally troubled students
--University knew about shooter's troubles
--Las Vegas school goes on lockdown after gun threat
--Unfounded threat unnerves San Diego State students
--Details emerge on campus assailant
--Police questioned shooter in 2005 about alleged stalking
--Governor orders independent probe of campus response
--Several campuses across the nation get threats
--Around the nation, campuses review security
--Campuses seek faster warnings
--Campus community mourns its loss
--Depressed or dangerous? Schools face dilemma with troubled students
--Shootings shatter illusions of safety
--Gunshots were slow and steady
--Ryan Clark was among the first victims
--Student leapt from windows to escape gunman
--Blacksburg campus is a leading school in architecture and engineering
--Did law enforcement respond quickly enough?
--D.C. area campuses heighten security
--Massacre brings back grim memories at University of Texas
--Texas schools say they're prepared for crises
--Michigan schools review crisis preparedness
--Hawaii campus ready to respond to emergencies
