School Security Breach: Dallas School Leaders Push for Harsher Punishment
Dallas school leaders want harsher punishment for students who bypass campus security measures by propping open locked doors. This comes about a month after a Wilmer-Hutchins High School student allowed an armed classmate onto campus by opening the door for him.
Trustees are expected to discuss increasing the punishment for students who improperly let others into schools during Thursday’s board briefing. A Dallas ISD spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Recent Shooting Incident
On April 15, police say Tracy Haynes Jr., 17, was let into the school through a locked side door before he began “indiscriminately” shooting, injuring four students and a teacher.
The person who let the shooter in was quickly identified, officials said, adding that the student is facing “administrative penalties.”
Proposed Change to the Code of Conduct
Such punishment could become more severe under a proposed change to the district’s code of conduct. Currently, “opening and propping open locked secured doors” is a Level II offense. That tier can bring consequences ranging from community service to a stint in a Reset Center or a discretionary placement in a disciplinary alternative school.
A draft version of the 2025-26 code of conduct proposes such an action be upgraded to a Level III offense, which comes with a mandatory placement in disciplinary alternative school.
“Propping open or otherwise bypassing locked secured doors in a school is a serious security breach that compromises the safety of students and staff. This can allow unauthorized access, potentially increasing the risk of violence or other emergencies,” the draft document reads.
Importance of Accountability
Trustee Maxie Johnson, who represents the school, said students must face “real consequences” for violating the code of conduct. “We need to make sure we hold our children accountable,” he said.
School Security Measures
School security experts said the Wilmer-Hutchins shooting highlighted the vulnerabilities that still exist even after billions of dollars have been spent on “hardening” campuses.
Wilmer-Hutchins tightened security measures this school year after it was the site of another shooting in April 2024. Officials require teenagers to pass through metal detectors on their way into classes. Students must carry clear backpacks. Surveillance cameras are stationed at the campus’ entrances, and inspectors conduct sweeps to ensure doors are locked from the outside.
Conclusion
The recent shooting incident at Wilmer-Hutchins High School has highlighted the importance of school security and the need for students to take it seriously. By proposing harsher punishment for students who bypass campus security measures, Dallas school leaders hope to prevent such incidents in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current punishment for students who prop open locked doors in Dallas schools?
A: Currently, “opening and propping open locked secured doors” is a Level II offense, which can bring consequences ranging from community service to a stint in a Reset Center or a discretionary placement in a disciplinary alternative school.
Q: What is the proposed change to the code of conduct?
A: The proposed change upgrades the offense to a Level III offense, which comes with a mandatory placement in disciplinary alternative school.
Q: Why is it important for students to take school security seriously?
A: School security is crucial to prevent unauthorized access, potentially increasing the risk of violence or other emergencies. Students must take it seriously to ensure the safety of themselves and their peers.
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