In a recent viral video that has been removed, Carly Zacharias, a high school Spanish teacher in Oakland County, Michigan, shared a creative approach to school safety by distributing hockey pucks to her students as a tool for self-defense in the event of an active shooter situation. The video sparked controversy, with some praising her proactive approach and others expressing dismay at the state of school safety in America. Zacharias clarified that her intention was to prepare her students for the worst-case scenario.
In the video, Zacharias meticulously outlined her students’ safety protocol, emphasizing their primary objective to escape through the windows and run to safety. However, in the event that this plan is not feasible, Zacharias instructed her students to barricade the door and be prepared to confront the threat. To equip them for this scenario, she provided each student with a hockey puck to use as a deterrent against the shooter, taping the pucks under their desks within easy reach.
Her motivation for this unconventional method stems from the sobering reality of school shootings in America. The video was filmed just months after a tragic shooting at Oxford High School in the same county. Despite acknowledging her school’s proactive measures for safety, Zacharias emphasized that her intent was simply to share a practical strategy that other teachers could benefit from.
The response to Zacharias’ approach has been mixed, with many expressing concern over the prevalence and impact of school shootings in the United States. According to a report by Ed Week, there were a total of 34 school shootings in 2021, 24 of which occurred after August 1. Users on social media platforms have voiced a range of reactions, from advocating for stricter gun control to expressing disbelief at the extreme measures being taken to address school safety.
One Twitter user pointed out the effectiveness of banning guns in response to school shootings, citing the example of Scotland where gun-related incidents decreased significantly after the implementation of such measures. Others expressed shock and dismay at the reality faced by students and teachers, with some highlighting the psychological impact of active shooter drills on children and families.
Despite the mixed reactions, Zacharias’ efforts have drawn support from organizations such as March for Our Lives, a student-led movement advocating for gun control legislation. While commending the teacher’s commitment to protecting her students, the organization underscored the importance of addressing the root cause of the issue. “We have to fight for a reality where we don’t need those hockey pucks,” they stated, emphasizing the necessity of working towards a society free from the threat of gun violence.
Carly Zacharias’ initiative serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address school safety and prevent the devastating impact of active shooter incidents. As discussions on this topic continue, it is crucial for policymakers, educators, and communities to work together in pursuit of meaningful solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of students and educators across the nation.