In defense of Superintendent Caulk’s Metal Detector Plan
In light of the recent incidents at Tates Creek High School, Superintendent Manny Caulk issued a statement late on Nov 14th, stating that he had a desire for “random, suspicionless searches to begin no later than November 21.” This would be done via metal detectors, of which kind has not been released. While the idea is a good one, it would be hard to implement for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the logistical aspect of this proposal is a large roadblock. For example, here at HC we have 43 different doors in and out of the building, and with the addition of the portables another six. This means that in order for it to be a truly random test of students, metal detectors would have be set up at all of these entrances. With a normal walk-through metal detector costing upwards of 3000 dollars per unit, this could turn into an almost 150,000 dollar venture for the district, at a minimum.
Not only does the cost come into question with the proposal of this program, the equality and ethics of the operation does as well. While confident in the Fayette County school systems’ ethics and morals, there is concern that this program may end up unwittingly profiling certain students. The students in question would include those from lower income families and minorities. These groups have been profiled in the past by certain groups as being more likely to commit gun violence. Great care would have to be taken in order to prevent this.
Despite these two aforementioned potential issues this program could be important. Due the increased level of violence in Lexington with teenage victims, this program could help to keep the students here in FCPS safe.
Superintendent Caulk puts it best in his statement, “School safety is everyone’s business. We must be willing to face challenges head on and come together to find solutions in order to keep our students safe. I share your concern and frustration and assure you that we will take all steps necessary to safeguard our campuses.“