spot_imgspot_img

Biden signs order limiting active shooter drills similar to Illinois law

spot_img

(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order he says will make active shooter drills less traumatic for students. In Illinois, similar provisions were passed by the legislature in 2021.

With Biden’s executive order, states across the nation will follow provisions similar to what’s laid out in Illinois’ amended School Safety Drill Act, according to state Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, who served for 17 years with the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office.

“When we would practice in high schools, it was not uncommon to have student actors acting as victims, there would be a shooter,” Tipsword said. “Under these new rules, we are making kids sitting ducks and they’re told to just go lockdown in their classroom.”

Tipsword called it “sad” that the law in Illinois, similar to Biden’s executive order, passed.

During his time in law enforcement, Tipsword said parents, teachers and students appreciated the “realistic” drills despite them being difficult. Under the executive order, Tipsword said states across the country may have to modify ALICE, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.

“I think the only thing it would take away from other states, not us [Illinoisans] because we already have this, you can’t have student actors or simulated gun shots,” said Tipsword. “The concept of ALICE is flee if possible or fight back, I think it’ll still be taught but it’ll be modified. We have to get out of this idea of going into a room, shutting off the lights and locking the doors. That doesn’t work.”

Biden’s order creates new guidance for schools on “how to implement evidence-informed, effective, and age- and developmentally appropriate school-based drills.”

Tipsword said Biden’s order and the law signed a couple of years ago in Illinois take tools away from schools and law enforcement to be prepared in horrible situations, like a school shooting.

“This shouldn’t be broad-brushed coming from the state or the federal government. This should be school district decisions, where school districts decide how they want to prepare for incidents like this,” said Tipsword. “We’re not going to do these drills in K-5th grade, that’s a completely different drill. But when you get into the 8th grade and above, they have an entirely different skill set that they can bring in case something were to happen in their schools.”

Some states require schools to train students in techniques, like how to “counter” attackers by distracting them or pelting them with classroom objects like books. Proponents of orders like Biden’s or Illinois’ School Safety Drill Act say those techniques are controversial, over-realistic and can be traumatic.

“[Prior to Illinois enacting the limitations] we had the fire departments, EMS involved and it was all about getting the paramedics into the schools to start rendering aid and it gave the paramedics a look at what it would look like for them,” said Tipsword. “It was a difficult drill because it brought reality to what could happen, but it gave everyone involved that look so they could be somewhat prepared if it ever happened.”

The National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Resource Officers issued guidance on school shooter drills in 2022 that supported lockdown procedures and said that simulations should be used to train law enforcement officers, not students.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Corporate tax cut may have adverse effect on smaller, local businesses

(The Center Square) — The House Ways and Means...

Veterans watch Trump’s moves on pay, benefits, personnel

This Veterans Day, veterans from all backgrounds and political...

Louisiana ranked 40th in annual State Tax Competitiveness Index

(The Center Square) — The Tax Foundation conducts a...

The Big Trump Comeback 

(AURN News) — The Donald Trump political comeback will...

Cross-examination of former ComEd exec expected at Madigan corruption trial

(The Center Square) – The bribery and racketeering trial...

Pro-life group: Billionaire Pritzker’s national abortion push is about 2028 primary

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker launched...

Republicans inch closer to securing U.S. House majority

Republicans this weekend moved closer to securing a majority...

More like this
Related

Corporate tax cut may have adverse effect on smaller, local businesses

(The Center Square) — The House Ways and Means...

Veterans watch Trump’s moves on pay, benefits, personnel

This Veterans Day, veterans from all backgrounds and political...

Louisiana ranked 40th in annual State Tax Competitiveness Index

(The Center Square) — The Tax Foundation conducts a...

“It’s Not Rare If It Affects Your Child”: Prevention Strategies For Meningitis B

Meningitis B is a rare but deadly disease. At...