EDITORIAL: Why Aren't We Protecting Children and Teachers?

EDITORIAL: Why Aren't We Protecting Children and Teachers?

In four weeks, there have been multiple injuries, ambulances, assaults, arrests and felony charges not at the ACI, but at Providence Public Schools.

The incidents have included students, staff, and a principal being injured.

Many of these events involved knives. Others were beatings.

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When GoLocal asked the Providence School Department if they were taking additional steps to ensure the safety of students and faculty, the department did not respond.

There has been no promise by Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green for a safe environment for students and staff.

Moreover, no public statement at all.

If this level of violence took place at the Rhode Island State House, the building would be under lockdown and surrounded by the State Police or the National Guard.

The State House already has its own police department and metal detectors at every entrance.

While no one wants schools to look like armed encampments, seeing ambulances taking the injured to Rhode Island Hospital is worse.

 

350 Plus Job Vacancies

Presently, the Providence School Department website now lists more than 350 job vacancies.

Teachers and staff are quitting in droves, at a time when there is full employment and workers — especially teachers — can be selective.

Who would take a job in a work environment in which violence and felonies are the norm?

While teachers can decide if they want to accept a job in Providence or Scituate, students have few options, and poor students have even fewer. 

In four weeks, between perpetrators and victims, the number approaches 30 involved. 

The existing strategy (if there is one) isn't working very well.