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Resident says replica rifles and inconsistent screening at North Penn commencement were ‘triggering’
Summary
A Lansdale resident told the board that replica rifles carried during the high‑school commencement were triggering for survivors of mass shootings and raised concerns that orchestra members did not pass through security screening used for other attendees.
Steven Reinhardt, a Lansdale resident, used public comment time at the June 18 North Penn School District Board of Directors meeting to raise concerns about security at the high‑school commencement ceremony.
Reinhardt said he attended the commencement and described seeing students in JROTC carry replica rifles on the field. "I just want to say it's triggering," he said, referencing his experience as a Penn State student during the 1996 shooting and noting that such displays can be distressing for survivors of gun violence.
Reinhardt also said he was surprised that orchestra members who were on the field during the ceremony did not pass through the security screening that about 6,900 other attendees underwent. "It is a big failure and lapse in security that needs to be addressed," he said.
Board policy and procedures At the start of the meeting the board read a disclaimer that public commenters must give their name and municipality; the board president noted audience‑comment rules are governed by board policy 903 and that administrators may follow up after the meeting when appropriate.
What the board said next The meeting record shows Reinhardt said he would follow up by email; no formal board action or change to commencement policy was taken at the meeting.
Why it matters Reinhardt's remarks raised safety and equity questions about ceremony security and whether all participants and field personnel should be subject to the same screening procedures. Board leaders did not announce an immediate policy change but the comments may prompt administrative follow‑up.
