Jonathan Lane

About the author: Jonathan Lane is the principal of Warden Middle School in Warden, Washington.

It is the responsibility of schools to implement policies that will reduce the occurrence of school shootings. These policies can include zero tolerance policies (automatic suspension or expulsion when a student brings a weapon to school), values education, classes on conflict resolution, and counseling services. However, the community as a whole must play a part in preventing violence. For example, the entertainment industry needs to deemphasize violence in its movies, video games, and music.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Committee. My name is Jonathan Lane. I am here today representing myself and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). I am currently the Principal of Warden Middle School in Warden, Washington, but the...