Addressing Violence at High School Football: A Call for Enhanced Security
By Jennifer Williams
Violence marred the anticipated return of Friday Night Lights at high schools across the country this weekend, leaving officials to make additional security steps for future contests.
One teen was killed and several spectators were injured after a gunman opened fire on the visitor’s side of a football game in Choctaw, Oklahoma, say police. The teen was not a student at either school, say police, who added that the suspect is believed to not be affiliated with either school at the game.
The school district announced it will postpone all football games for the week of August 28 through September 2 to allow coaches, directors, sponsors, and all other staff time to attend to the social and psychological needs created by the tragic event.
“Let me be clear, violence will not be tolerated in Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt in a statement after Friday night's deadly shooting. “I am deeply thankful to the Choctaw and Del City officers who responded quickly and saved lives.”
In Metro Atlanta, school leaders are stepping up security measures after violent incidents at area games this weekend. The stadium was emptied Friday night at Discovery High School in Gwinnett County after officials said a “massive” group of students rushed towards an exit for an unknown reason and caused a panic.
Going forward, students will need to present a valid school ID from one of the schools involved in the game to gain admittance, and officials have capped attendance at 1,500 people and adopted a clear-bag policy for future games.
Nearby in the Atlanta area, an 18-year-old Clayton County High School senior was shot Friday night after a football game while waiting for his ride home.
School officials said they will continue to use weapon-detection devices at games and take additional steps to keep students and spectators safe, including moving up start times, no longer allowing tailgating in the parking lots and not allowing anyone into the games after the third quarter.
In Richmond, Virginia, a game that originally was to be played without spectators because of a threat made on social media was canceled as “additional information” was discovered and security concerns mounted.
In the San Franscisco Bay area of California, two season-opening football games were suspended because of violence in the stands. The game between Piedmont Hills and Willow Glen was called at halftime after a first-quarter fight in the bleachers spilled outside the stadium. Across town, the game between College Park and Fremont-Oakland was halted in the second quarter due to a “safety situation,” according to school officials.
In Aurora, Colorado, fights broke out at and disrupted a high school football game and led to two arrests Friday night. Police suspended play between Vista Peak and Rangeview with 2:20 left in the third quarter after what they called a “violent and aggressive” incident.
An estimated 60-70 officers responded, resulting in an armed teenager being arrested on assault charges and an adult male arrested on disorderly conduct and obstruction of government operations charges.
“The fact [that this] was the first game of the year gives me some pause,” Aurora Police Lt. Matt Brukbacher told CBS News Colorado. “I think the conversation definitely needs to be had to ensure the safety of all."