Parents Stage Protest Over Armed Ex-Student

Outraged that a former student boldly walked into Compton High School with a loaded gun, a group of parents protested outside the school Wednesday, demanding better campus security.

An hour into Wednesday’s demonstration, Principal Richard Chavez announced to the parents that a third school police officer will start at the school today, and a fourth will be hired as soon as possible.

The group of about 30 parents said they were pleased at the increase, but added that they do not believe it is nearly enough.

Although the youth was arrested within about 30 minutes of coming onto campus Tuesday, parents said the incident and recent violence at the school have convinced them that huge improvements must be made.

“We don’t want another Columbine here,” said protest organizer Maria Fausto, who held a sign saying “Students Can’t Learn in Fear.”

Organizer Felictas Paredes said that in the last few weeks, parents have met with school officials and city and school police officers about the issue of campus security, but nothing has been done. “We feel our concerns were falling on deaf ears,” she said.

Tuesday’s shooting in Michigan of a 6-year-old girl by a 6-year-old boy at an elementary school only underscores the need for more security, parents said.

In addition to hiring more guards, parents want school officials to do a better job of patrolling gates and school doors to keep students in and interlopers out.

If conditions do not improve, the parents said, they will pull their children out of school.

“They can’t learn in this environment. It’s impossible. It’s the worst,” said parent Maria Ilena Lamos.

By chance, Wednesday’s hastily arranged protest occurred the same day that the California Department of Education released its annual report on campus crime. The Compton Unified School District, which includes three high schools, reported significantly higher rates of assault with a deadly weapon and battery than county averages.

There were 0.95 incidents of assault with a deadly weapon per 1,000 students in Compton schools last year, compared with the county average of 0.37, according to the California Safe Schools Assessment.

One student was wounded on campus last year. Others were killed near campus during non-school hours, Chavez said.

Many parents and students said fear and disorder permeate the school of 2,100 students, which is about 60% Latino, 38% African American and 2% Samoan.

The principal said many of the problems are a result of poverty.

Senior Antoine Scott said he has seen students with guns in their backpacks at school.

Senior Ruth Valdoninos said, “There is a lot of violence. I really think there should be more security.”

In addition to the two sworn officers assigned to the school, six campus security guards watch for students trying to cut classes or sneak off campus. School officials also visit classrooms randomly, checking students’ bags for weapons with a metal detector.

The principal said he agrees with the parents, and will do what he can to assuage their concerns. “The parents’ concerns are valid,” Chavez said. “They want us to have more security, and I agree with them. But I’d also like us to have more parental involvement.”