Democracy In Albany

Statement of Alice Green, Green Party candidate in Mayor, in Response to Albany School Board's Consideration of Metal Detectors in Schools

Albany city school officials' decision to implement random student searches using hand-held metal detectors is the wrong response to the problem of school safety. We must stop blaming kids for the problems of urban schools and start addressing the problems of limited resources, poor teacher training, and ineffective curriculum. Students themselves bemoan the fact that schools are paying for metal detectors instead at the expense of academics.

Administrators and public officials often respond with such knee - jerk reactions to high profiled acts that don't necessarily reflect the true dimensions or character of the problem. Strictly law enforcement responses do not address real problems of violence. Officials and parents may often feel better, but they are left with a false sense of security.

If school violence is a problem it must be met with coordination of school-based violence prevention programs, community-based organizational programs, parents, teachers, and students. Student violence often reflect attitudes that exist in their community and families. Therefore, any student focused program must be coupled with violence prevention programs for adults, parents, and community leaders. Families, especially, need support and education on issues of violence.

Other schools across the country are using alternative methods to deter violence and make schools safer such as training school staff to recognize problems such as substance abuse and emotional difficulties early.

Research in NYC suggests that metal detectors can't effectively address youth violence. Their use did not reduce nonschool-related weapon-carrying or threats and physical fights in any location

Random searches will always raise concerns about profiling and discrimination. Who will be searched and why? Students of color will ultimately perceive that they are being treated differently which will increase their disrespect for authority and promote angry behavior. A study in Chicago found increased hostility with the introduction of police in school settings. Perceptions of injustice generates different kinds of behavior (including delinquent and criminal) adaptations or responses. (see Race, Ethnicity, and Youth Perceptions of Criminal Justice, by John Hagan)