Preventing School Shootings. School shootings are preventable. In the months following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, thirty-six incidents of school shootings occurred. These pose a clear threat to the nation. Safe schools are critical to a functioning and thriving democracy. These accidents are preventable, they are not the inevitable byproducts of a free society. Reasonable laws, education, and experienced counselors and educators are key. The most important policy that can prevent school shootings is legislation. The Constitution of the United States is the law of the land. The Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting this document. In deciding First Amendment issues, the court has determined that there are limits to the Constitution. No one can shout “fire” in a crowded theater, even though free speech is protected by this amendment. The Constitution is subject to constraints to guarantee public safety. The Constitution also guarantees religious freedom, but the court ruled that Native Americans cannot use banned substances in their religious ceremonies, such as peyote or hallucinogenic mushrooms. It is in the public good to limit behavior. Laws must be changed or reinterpreted as the nation changes. Background checks should be expanded to include Internet sales and gun shows. Background checks for gun store sales are almost useless if a gun can be purchased online or at a local convention center, no questions asked. A majority of Americans support these measures. A small faction, led by gun manufacturers and the NRA, opposes them for the basest of reasons: profit. There are now more guns than humans in America. A well done plot... middle of paper... that we live in a society. We all have to work together and get along. Identifying at-risk students is important to prevent these incidents. A well-trained staff of educators and counselors could identify at-risk students and recommend appropriate counseling or other actions. You do not want to brand or stigmatize students or make them feel targeted. Students and parents will be assured that all information will be kept strictly confidential. Government can be effective and is necessary. Government is made up of people, and people make mistakes, but this is the best system available to provide protection for all citizens. If one were to consider the well-being of all students, one would agree that legislation, education and educators can work together to ensure safety and ensure that all constitutional rights are protected.