CHFA | English and Philosophy Panel
The Mental Health Reality Behind School Shootings
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Freshmen
Major
Agriculture Education
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
DR. Cooper
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
School shootings have been an ongoing crisis for decades now. The Columbine school shooting in 1999, where 11 people died, was one of the first major school shootings. Since then, hundreds more have occurred: Virginia Tech University, 32 killed; Sandy Hook Elementary School, 26 killed; Robb Elementary School, 21 dead; and in our community, Marshall County High School, where 18 were injured and 2 were killed. In many of these tragedies, warning signs were displayed but ignored. After each one, we tell ourselves it’s the last, but we all know that’s untrue. Some say we need better protection at schools, more police officers, metal detectors at doors, and armed teachers, while others say we need stronger gun laws. Neither side addresses the crisis that is rooted much deeper, the mental health crisis. We have to look at the mental health of the Shooter. The negative stigma around mental health makes resources in school scarce and denial second nature. In my research, I will draw on my own experiences as well as other students, hoping to create an understanding of the infuriated feelings that children and students have today. In the end, thoughts and prayers are nothing unless action to address mental health is taken.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
English and Philosophy Panel
The Mental Health Reality Behind School Shootings
School shootings have been an ongoing crisis for decades now. The Columbine school shooting in 1999, where 11 people died, was one of the first major school shootings. Since then, hundreds more have occurred: Virginia Tech University, 32 killed; Sandy Hook Elementary School, 26 killed; Robb Elementary School, 21 dead; and in our community, Marshall County High School, where 18 were injured and 2 were killed. In many of these tragedies, warning signs were displayed but ignored. After each one, we tell ourselves it’s the last, but we all know that’s untrue. Some say we need better protection at schools, more police officers, metal detectors at doors, and armed teachers, while others say we need stronger gun laws. Neither side addresses the crisis that is rooted much deeper, the mental health crisis. We have to look at the mental health of the Shooter. The negative stigma around mental health makes resources in school scarce and denial second nature. In my research, I will draw on my own experiences as well as other students, hoping to create an understanding of the infuriated feelings that children and students have today. In the end, thoughts and prayers are nothing unless action to address mental health is taken.