Security Changes

New Changes are on the Horizon for John A. Ferguson. In light of the tribulations that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, new procedures are being implemented to try and create a safer school environment. The procedures include the mandatory locking of the doors and the wearing of identification badges for both students and faculty.

Security changes aren’t just occurring at Ferguson High, they’re widespread. Especially at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; students are required to wear clear backpacks and student IDs on lanyards. Many Students at MSD have shown an aversion to these new changes.

In reference to this, late February, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho requested an extra thirty-million dollars from Florida, in regard to preparedness for school shootings. This request came not only from Carvalho, but multiple elected officials, such as the Miami-Dade Mayor, Carlos Gimenez, and State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

Although these new changes have proved different from the previous everyday norm, for obvious reasons, they have proven quite helpful in the eyes of some.

“We’re more conscious of people that don’t belong here on campus, and I know this with teachers, as well as with students, we’re more conscious during class time to make sure doors are locked, [and] people are in uniform,” Freshmen English and IB English teacher Robert Rowe said, “You’re aware of your surroundings a lot more here on campus. I think above all else we’re aware of that more than anything. That’s what I’ve noticed since February 14, up in Parkland. That’s what I’ve noticed the most and I most likely believe it’s having a domino effect all over the country. I really do. No matter if it’s the high school level, middle school level, or the elementary school level.”

Rowe is not the only teacher who thinks that these changes are auspicious for the school environment; Michelle Vigoa- Suarez, AP and IB Psychology teacher, shares Rowe’s outlook.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction, in regard to implementing the lanyards with the IDs,” Vigoa said, “I know they’re working on other ideas, another good idea, I think is the door locking. We definitely need to work on the kinks of it, but overall I think it’s improving the idea of our safety and we just need to all be on board with it to make it effective.”

Although, not everybody shares Rowe and Vigoa’s sentiments. “I feel having locked doors feels like a very negative environment,” Biology teacher Sarah Hays said, “I don’t like having to lock my doors. I think that it’s unfortunate. And I don’t really think it’s a very necessary thing to do, the superintendent just wanted to show he was doing something. I don’t think we’ll really feel any different just having locked doors and IDs.”

Nevertheless, IDs have become dress code and anyone who doesn’t have one must purchase one at the school library. But, some students aren’t very fond of these changes. Freshman, Brianna Leyva, voiced her opinion.

“The new security changes are in a good effort, but they aren’t going to help the school be safer.” Brianna said “I think it’s great entertainment to watch teachers scream ‘who is it’ at the door and tell the entire class to quiet down, just so they can hear the person’s name. Even if they have no idea who it is, they open the door anyways.”

Although the general populace of Ferguson remains apathetic on the subject matter, others are ardent concerning their views. One of them being, freshman, Wendy Espinosa. She expressed that she believes the security measures at John A. Ferguson are “absolutely ridiculous” and simply put temporary solutions into practice without actually resolving the overlying issue.

“Gun control allows getting the actual root of the problem a lot harder. These silly little requirements can easily be worked around. They would rather make it seem like they’re protecting us than make changes to ensure the safety of the nation’s children.” Wendy said.

Whether it be student or teacher, everyone has something to say concerning the topic. But, one must be careful to pay attention and let their voice be heard. One must be observant at a time like such. It would do one good to heed a sage remark, “the one who doesn’t perceive is often deceived,” (person unknown) or in layman terms, question authority.