There is broad consensus affirming what parents already know — mandatory active school shooter drills are deeply traumatizing for children and have no evidence of decreasing fatalities. We should not use taxpayer dollars to mandate kids’ participation in ineffective strategies from the 1990s. Parents deserve the right to opt... their kids out. My amendment affirming that passed the Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan basis last night, and I'll continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this legislation forward.show more

Well said! 100% agree!

So the mandatory active shooter drills are deeply traumatizing and we need to legislate but not legislate the actual traumatizing school shootings. Got it!

I hope this is a step towards ending drills altogether.

in my experience both that and bomb drills just kind of made me realize the people in charge were retarded and completely incompetent to keep us safe if such a thing did happen.

Thank you. ❤️

What is your proposed solution for kids who opt out? Drills can be done better or in a less traumatic way. But your solution is just to opt out with seemingly no understanding of how detrimental that may be not just to the opted out child, but to the school at large.

You’re right fuck them kids if they can’t zig or zag that’s on them

so well delivered!

I was among the first to go through such trainings (1999). They told us to sit under a table and wait. Even if we were in the cafeteria. Even if the exit was 5 feet away. Just sit there and wait. If you run you'll get detention.

@NYHammond Here's the thing, this woman would be the first one to complain after a shooting occurred that they hadn't prepared.

The republicans hate public school kids. It would have such a bigger impact to make it more difficult for these younger, white males to get a hold of guns. If only there were government bodies that could do something about this…

Active shooter drills funded by taxpayers? Classic D.C. waste. Studies show these drills spike anxiety and depression in kids by 40%+—traumatizing students without proven results. Biden-era mandates prioritized fear over real solutions. Parents opting out isn’t enough—defund the entire charade. Redirect that cash to school resource officers and mental health pros who actually protect students. Bureaucrats love recycling failed ’90s tactics; real safety means cutting the theatrics and funding what works.

It's mind boggling the kinds of things schools do for shooter drills. There isn't a single school in the nation that sets actors in burn suits on fire or use smoke machines for fire drills, or throw furniture for tornado drills. But they use blood and actors for shooter drills??

Thank you!

I believe that these drills could be traumatizing so it's a fair question. My question is, does it put other kids in danger, the ones who had the drills, if when something happens, some kids don't know what to do? It matters if all kids do/know the instructions.

What’s your position on arming teachers?

I don't think the issue is the drill. It think the issue is that it's still happening.

she's completely correct, and it's nice to see some bipartisan consensus here. still think it was bs to have her end up with ted tho

honestly it is one of the main reasons I plan on not enrolling my son in public school. it teaches the children that school is not safe. it is terribly traumatizing and teaches children horrible acts of violence should be expected. I will not do that to my son!

Thank you

There’s generally crying from younger teens. The hiding silently in the dark part is what gets them, especially when they realize their classmates arent very good at silence. When there’s time, I ask for students’ feelings. They want to know if it would happen in their school.

Kristina, do you believe an actual school shooting is traumatic? Any ideas on that?

It’s important that kids know what to do in an active shooter situation because even if it doesn’t happen at school, it could happen at the movie theatre, a concert, the mall, or their future place of employment. Locks, Lights, Out of Sight saved my life when I was in my 20s.

Disagree with this. As a retired teacher we did the drills so the kids have at least an idea of what to do. You have to give them some direction. And from the 90’s? I don’t think so. We’ve only been doing them the last 10 years or so.

I called your office to tell them how stupid this is. It would sure be great if you would legislate with our children’s best interest ini mind and not there dumb fuck parents who probably voted for this reality. Start handing out gun safes or shut the fuck up

What bill and amendment?

Thanks!

You shouldn't be stealing from us at all.

Fair enough as long as you support metal detectors and law enforcement presence.

Data? Science? Expert opinions? Whatttt? Not in my congress! Vote her out

Do you also support the right of parents to opt their kids out of LGBTQ… education? People in Seattle area would like to know

@CalebHowe

Don't be a pussy, the kids need a protocol!!! It's ridiculous not to train them.

The "funny" thing and hence my use of this skit to emphasize it is the shooter is also undergoing the drill, so its practically useless as it serves them intel for their plan. 🥲

As a teacher, I think this is a horrible idea. These drills can save lives and if we aren't going to get rid of the guns, we need to give kids whatever tools we can to potentially save their lives.