Two very different retellings of two different campus shootings are making the rounds.
Tower tells the story of the 1966 University of Texas Tower shooting, considered by most to be the first campus mass shooting in U.S. history. The movie combines historic footage and rotoscopic animation, all narrated by first person testimonies.
The second movie, I Am Not Ashamed, tells the story of Rachel Joy Scott, one of the first victims of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. You can view the trailer here.
Both events had significant cultural impacts, and sparked significant discussion. Both of these films may prompt movie goers to ask, what has changed since these events?
One thing that hasn’t changed: school shootings haven’t stopped. Scores of shootings have followed, some with just a few victims, and some with dozens.
Communities have tried to formulate some sort of response. One approach has been focusing on prevention. Parents, educators, lawmakers and other leaders have taken measures to address bullying, mental illness, gun safety and gun control.
Another approach is improving response. The Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies are hoping to make “Run, hide, fight” as well known as “Stop, drop, roll.”
Some experts are also proposing that schools install gunshot detection systems.
“The shocking reality is that there appears to be no identifiable pattern or procedure in the selection of victims during an active shooter situation, making it extremely difficult to prepare for and defend against,” said Richard Brent, a member of the Board of Directors of the Security Industry Association (SIA). “Not to mention the unnerving fact that these situations evolve quickly and, many times, end with the shooter taking his or her life.”
ECT Services is pleased to offer the Guardian gunshot detection system developed by Shooter Detection Systems, which works by using acoustic and infrared sensors to instantly identify gunshots. The precise location of the gunshots is noted, and authorities are alerted immediately. Warnings are also instantly sent out to people in the facility and vicinity advising them to evacuate or take cover. This video demonstrates the basics of the system.
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