Create federal guidelines for active shooter drills

School shootings instill a deep sense of fear in communities, and education systems are under intense pressure to implement policies to address and mitigate the risk of school shootings. Over 95 percent of K–12 schools in the United States participate in active shooter drills. [1]

Active shooter drills range in content but typically require students and school staff to lock down and practice safety measures. They can often include more involved tactics like fighting back and evacuating and can be planned or unaccounted simulations. At least 40 states require active shooter drills.[2] School active shooter drills are associated with increased anxiety, stress, and depression (39-42%).[3] In a report on active shooter incidents, the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association concluded there is almost no research affirming the value of active shooter drills for preventing school shootings or protecting the school community when shootings do occur. [2]

Congress should pass legislation such as the PREP for All Students Act to establish the Council on Emergency Response Protocols to provide evidence-based guidelines for use by states, early child and education settings, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education in developing and implementing emergency response protocols including gun violence response, natural disaster protocols, and fire drills, that provide for students’ safety, do not do further harm, and are inclusive and accessible. [4]