To the Editor,
In the coming weeks and months, well-intentioned administrators, law enforcement officials and politicians will pour over data from the horrifying tragedy in Virginia. They'll not only wonder what could have been done differently, but what one public safety or security measure will protect their school and their students from violence.
I'd submit to them - and to all of you - that the answer lies not in a new metal detector or screening system, but in each other. I'd submit that only when we redouble our efforts to care for one another, to realize our stake in each other and in our community, will we truly have a chance for peace.
So far, we know that the trend is moving in the wrong direction. According to the Indianapolis Star, at least 40 school shootings have occurred in the past decade alone - a troubling statistic that's getting worse sooner than better.
Still, we know that individuals pushed to violence often show explicit warning signs before they act. We know that racism and sexism, xenophobia and homophobia all can breed isolation, rage and violence. And we know that divisiveness of any kind devalues our humanity and destabilizes our community.
Which is why I'm beginning to think that while we've declared a War on Drugs, a War on Illegal Immigration and a War on Terror, maybe what we need is a declared peace among each other.
Maybe what we need is more community and fewer wars. Because if peace starts at home, we've got a long way to go.
Sincerely,
Jared P. Milrad
Master of Science candidate, Animals and Public Policy
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
