Aryssa Carvalho: Campus violence out of control, and now it hits here

This isn’t about gun violence, or that fewer people were injured or killed due to the suspect using a knife instead of a gun. This isn’t about politics. It’s about the safety of our community. The fact that these incidences are still occurring in schools should tell everyone that something needs to change. I am no longer a student, but many of the people I went to high school with are students at UC Merced. And though I have lost touch with most, the moment I heard of this tragic event my mind went to everyone I used to know. I feared for their safety.

Violence in schools has gotten out of control. The country needs to insure the safety of everyone who steps onto campuses. Students should not fear for their lives while at school.

America, we need to stop pointing fingers. Whether that means hiring more security on campuses or supplying teachers with weapons to protect students. Serious measures need to be taken to protect lives. Education is key. Teach kids about how violence can negatively affect everyone around them. Teach them every life counts. Teach them to love one another. Teach them to be decent human beings.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Aryssa Carvalho: Campus violence out of control, and now it hits here."