Columbia Middle draws Columbine comparison

Editor:

Over the past few years, there have been several horrific situations dealing with violence in the school systems among students, ranging from elementary through high school-aged children. Some of these cases included bullying, weapons on school campuses, death threats, school bus beatings, "hit lists" and racial slurs, just to name a few.

April 20 marked the fifth-year anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. This was noted as the worst school shooting in history, where dozens of students along with one teacher were killed or injured, or suffered some type of psychological stress as a result.

On April 20, I watched several news clippings on television from the Columbine massacre five years ago, and experienced the same gut-wrenching feeling then as I do today. There were obvious signs of evil brewing in Littleton, Colo., very similar to what is going on in our local community at Columbia Middle School here in Columbia County.

It's very alarming to know there have been several incidents involving students at Columbia Middle School with "hit lists" and racial slurs written in the boys and girls bathrooms and locker rooms. However, what is most disturbing to me is knowing that my own child's name has appeared on one of the "hit lists," in addition to about seven other students. There have been some arrests in connection with a few of these cases, but not all cases have been resolved pertaining to the "hit list" at the school.

As a concerned parent, I feel it is my job to protect my child and to take precautionary measures when necessary regarding my child's safety. I also think it is imperative that the school have educational counseling for any and all students involved, increased physical security on campus at all times, video cameras on all school buses and continuous investigation of the remaining "hit lists."

It is my sincere hope and prayer that this letter will aid in helping to increase parent and community awareness in Columbia Middle School, along with increased security.

Tonya Mackie

Evans