The Bulwark

This is an epidemic, not a series of unique tragedies.

It’s back-to-school time. Parents I talked to this week reported that their kids see active shooter drills as just another part of the curriculum; a ghastly update to their own generation’s “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety protocol. Teachers I talked to explained how classrooms can be transformed into mini-fortresses. Administrators have spoken about a renewed focus on mental health services, after-school programs, and evidence-based community violence interventions.

Even the free market has adapted. One official who works in the bulletproof backpack industry told me that business had grown “dramatically” over the last four years.

“Ninety percent are parents buying for their kids. I’ve had parents calling me saying their high school kid is begging to get one. Mostly, it’s for peace of mind,” he explained, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of social backlash. “It’s sickening that we are here because of that.”