Will alarms make students safer?
By Cesay Camara
The new alarms that were recently installed on all 16 of the doors at Manhattan Center have brought with them many questions. Some students wondered whether or not it’s a school wide initiative and whether they are here to stay. The new alarms went into effect in early May at MCSM. Many students have wondered why these alarms have “all of a sudden” come into place.
Mr. Lopez, a school safety officer at MCSM confirmed that the
alarms are in fact a part of a citywide initiative to keep students safe following the disappearance of Avonte Oquendo , the 14 year old autistic boy who left Center Boulevard (his Long Island City school), through an unattended exit, and whose body was found three months later in the East River. The Avonte Oquendo tragedy called for measures to better protect public school students.
On August 7th , Mayor De Blasio signed into law ‘Avonte’s Law,’ which according to a press release from the NYC council “would require the Department of Education (DOE), in consultation with the Police Department, to evaluate and prioritize the installation of door alarms at the exterior doors of school buildings.”
This initiative has been a gradual process and has gone through numerous obstacles before becoming part of the city legislature. The bill was first proposed by council member Robert Cornergy Jr. who represents Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights neighborhoods. Cornergy decided to take action after hearing about Symeir Jasper, a preschooler who walked out of his Bed-Stuy school (William Floyd P.S. 59). In March of this year, Cornergy introduced the ‘Audible Alarm Bill’ that would later become ‘Avonte’s Law.’
In a news release via CBS NY news regarding ‘Avonte’s law,’ DeBlasio stated that “Every one of us felt the pain of his loss. And every one of us is committed to making sure our schools have the tools they need to keep our children safe. This legislation will protect other children from tragedy.”
Of the three junior MCSM students interviewed by the RamPage, all of whom prefer to remain anonymous , all expressed doubt over whether or not the alarms will be effective over time, but noted that the alarms were a good safety measure. When asked about whether these alarms make students feel safer, once student stated: “I think it’s the same level of safety.”
One student noted an inconvenience she felt the alarms brought along. Students were now to enter and be dismissed through the main entrance or the Cafeteria. She commented that: “Every exit in the school, allows someone to get to a certain point quicker. Now getting to that certain point will just take longer.”
Melissa Mark Viverto, the speaker of the New York City Council who represents East Harlem as one of her many districts, stated: “Avonte’s Law will make our educational facilities safer for students and give parents the peace of mind they deserve when they send their children to school for the day.” As for the implementation of Avonte’s Law, all schools on DOE property will be evaluated for their need of alarms. However, schools that house students in grades K-5, and District 75 (special needs) programs, will be prioritized.
Above: the citywide search for Avonte. Below: Robert Cornergy Jr. sponsors Avonte’s Law.
If you would like more information about this issue, go to the following websites:
De Blasio Signs ‘Avonte’s Law’ On Alarms For School Doors
http://www.bkreader.com/2014/03/councilmember-cornegy-introduces-audible-alarms-bill/
http://council.nyc.gov/html/pr/072414stated.shtml