Students demand increased safety measures at Betty H. Fairfax High after chaotic homecoming

The Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) Governing Board meeting on November 7, 2024, focused heavily on student safety following a traumatic incident during the Betty H. Fairfax High School homecoming dance on October 19. Students and community members expressed their fears and frustrations regarding safety protocols and the need for immediate action to prevent future incidents.

Several students shared personal accounts of the chaos that unfolded during the homecoming event, where panic ensued due to a perceived threat. Many described feelings of terror and confusion as police arrived with weapons drawn, leading to a lockdown that left students feeling trapped and unsafe. Mia Saldivar, a junior at Fairfax, highlighted the lack of communication and preparation from school officials, stating that students were left in the dark during the crisis. She called for better safety measures, including the presence of school resource officers (SROs) and metal detectors at events.

Adeline Dennis, another student leader, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for SROs to build trust and improve safety on campus. She noted that students have been facing ongoing threats, and the lack of action from the district has left them feeling vulnerable. Other students, including Eric Mejia and Takori McClinton, also advocated for increased security measures, expressing that the current situation is unacceptable and that students should not have to fear for their lives while attending school events.

The discussion revealed a strong consensus among students that the district must take proactive steps to enhance safety. Many called for the implementation of metal detectors and more trained security personnel at school events. However, some students raised concerns about the effectiveness of metal detectors, arguing that they could create a prison-like atmosphere and fail to address the root causes of violence.

The board members listened attentively as students articulated their fears and proposed solutions. The meeting underscored a critical need for the district to reassess its safety protocols and prioritize the well-being of its students. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the homecoming incident, the call for action is clear: students want to feel safe and supported in their schools, and they are urging the district to respond decisively to their concerns.