Keegan Hoelscher, a junior at East High School in Denver, questions the effectiveness and necessity of a proposed secure vestibule at the school, which would cost $800,000 and potentially damage the historic building. The plan has faced significant pushback from students, staff, and alumni who believe it is unnecessary and may not enhance safety.
While secure vestibules are a common safety feature in newer school buildings and are being retrofitted in older buildings across the country, they are not universally viewed as a solution to school safety concerns. Experts acknowledge that while secure vestibules can prevent outsiders from entering schools without being screened, they may not fully prevent all safety threats.
The proposal for a secure vestibule at East High was prompted by recent gun violence incidents in and around the school. However, some community members feel that the vestibule is not the right approach and have raised concerns about its impact on the school’s community and historical building.
Student council members like Abigail Forsberg have actively campaigned against the secure vestibule, collecting signatures on a petition and speaking out against it at a Denver school board meeting. The district has now put the project on hold to allow for more community feedback and engagement.
Overall, the debate over the secure vestibule at East High School highlights broader discussions about school safety measures and the importance of considering community input and historical preservation when implementing such initiatives.
