After reading NPR’s detailed report “What Students Want After Uvalde” (May 27, 2024), I found myself thinking deeply about how my school—and schools nationwide—address safety. The article recounted student voices from across the country, sharing their fears, hopes, and frustrations after yet another tragedy.
At The Hill School, our administration responded with new security drills and forums for open dialogue. The NPR piece reminded me that while policies and technologies matter, what students really want is to feel heard. Last semester, I joined a committee to review our safety protocols, and I realized that solutions aren’t just about metal detectors or locked doors. They’re about building a culture of trust and mutual support.
The article also raised hard questions about balancing safety with freedom, and whether any policy can fully prevent tragedy. Reading those student testimonies, I felt a renewed sense of empathy—and responsibility. As a future political science student, I want to help design policies that center student voices and respect their dignity. School safety is not just a technical issue; it’s a human one, and we all have a role in making our communities safer.
Michael Evans
- United States
- Male
- 11th Grade, The Hill School (Pennsylvania)
- Intended Major: Political Science / History
- Role: Humanities Editor
- Introduction:
With a deep interest in politics and history, I believe that storytelling can spark meaningful debate. As Humanities Editor, I work to amplify diverse voices and critical perspectives. I hope to study political science and help shape a more informed and engaged global community.