In June of this year, the Washington Post reported that since the mass shooting tragedy at Columbine High School occurred in 1999, 386 additional school shootings have affected children and teens across the U.S. As a result, school districts are understandably under a great deal of pressure to take action to keep kids safe. From installing specialized equipment to keep unscreened visitors outside a school's walls to instituting policies concerning how kids can come and go on campus, a variety of strategies are being employed in the name of security.

Yet, as well-meaning as many school district approaches may be, there are unquestionably times when they can go too far and/or result in unintended negative consequences in need of attention. For example, an AI gun detection program in Philadelphia is being rightfully scrutinized as it can lead to traumatic experiences for innocent students.

If you or your child has experienced unjust treatment and suffered harm as a result in the name of school security, it's time to connect with the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm. Please alert us to your situation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the firm online to seek support.

What's Going on?

The Philadelphia Police Department has devised a “back-to-school safety plan” in conjunction with the School District of Philadelphia. In addition to an increased law enforcement presence on and near campuses, firearm detection systems are being installed in more than a dozen of the city's middle schools. Students will be scanned by AI technology as they enter the affected schools with the aim of identifying any weapons that they may be carrying.

Keeping schools safe is a critically important cause. Keeping weapons out of schools is vital to achieving this aim. Yet, it isn't hard to imagine a scenario in which an increased police presence and misidentification of an innocuous object as a weapon could lead to profiling, traumatizing searches, unfounded accusations of misconduct, and serious consequences levied against innocent kids in the name of security. If kids are ultimately held wrongfully responsible for conduct that was well-intentioned, misunderstood, or otherwise innocent, the impacts on their future could be immeasurable.

Assistance with School-Related Issues and Concerns Is Available

If you or your child has experienced harm in the name of school security, your family is in need of legal support. The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to respond to your situation regardless of where in the U.S. you reside. Whether a student faces misconduct allegations or has been profiled and searched in ways that have left them traumatized, our team has the knowledge and experience to respond effectively to the situation at hand.

The stakes of any security-related educational situation are high, so it's important to seek professional assistance quickly. Tell us about your situation today by calling 888-535-3686 or by connecting with the firm online to get started. We look forward to advocating on behalf of your rights and interests.