...the lives of children are becoming more violent and dangerous. Teens and young adults are victims and perpetrators of crime in ever increasing numbers... Society must focus its efforts on prevention and intervention, getting into communities, schools, and families before violence takes hold and becomes an accepted way of life. -Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Ideally, schools should be havens where students and teachers can engage in activities related to learning, free of concern about personal safety. Violence prevention experts indicate most schools (when compared to some homes and communities) are among the safer places young people spend their time. However, recent incidents of school violence across the country remind us schools today are most certainly touched by the violence that is widespread in society.