In a recent Phoenix Union School District meeting, students from Betty H. Fairfax High School voiced urgent concerns regarding safety following a traumatic homecoming event on October 19. The students described a chaotic scene marked by panic and fear, as police responded to what was initially perceived as a threat. Many expressed feelings of vulnerability and a lack of adequate safety measures at their school.

Senior student Aiden highlighted the desensitization many students feel towards potential dangers, stating that the fear experienced during the homecoming event was alarming. He called for the introduction of school resource officers (SROs) to foster trust and improve safety within the school community. Fellow student Mia Saldivar echoed these sentiments, recounting her own experience of fear during the event and emphasizing the need for better communication and protocols involving law enforcement.

Adeline Dennis, another student leader, advocated for SROs, citing positive feedback from peers and staff about their potential role in conflict resolution and safety. The call for increased security measures, including metal detectors and more trained safety personnel, was a recurring theme among the students. They expressed frustration over the district's reactive approach to safety, fearing that meaningful changes would only occur after a serious incident.

Several students criticized the current safety protocols, arguing that the presence of police with weapons during the homecoming event exacerbated their fear rather than alleviating it. They urged the district to consider alternative safety measures that prioritize student well-being over punitive approaches.

The students' testimonies painted a picture of a school environment fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, with many feeling that their safety is compromised. They collectively urged the school board to take immediate action to implement effective safety measures, emphasizing that students should not have to fear for their lives while trying to enjoy school events. The meeting underscored a pressing need for the district to reassess its safety strategies and prioritize the voices of its students in shaping a secure educational environment.