US schools are reeling from their deadliest year in a decade. The 48 violent deaths at or near schools in 2003-04 topped the previous two years’ casualties combined.
The latest tragedy was the killing of a cafeteria worker at a Salt Lake City school in May, according to National School Safety and Security Services. There have also been 68 non-fatal shootings and 206 serious incidents, such as stabbings, riots, death threats and student arrests, since the school year began. “It’s a microcosm of society - we have more guns than people in America,” said Alan Kerstein, the Los Angeles school police chief.
Want to keep reading for free?
Register with Tes and you can read five free articles every month, plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.
