The New York State Board of Regents passed a revision to school safety rules on July 15, requiring schools across the state to establish lockdown drill procedures. Prior to conducting drills, schools must notify parents at least one week in advance and ensure that the exercises do not simulate school shootings or other violent events, in an effort to minimize accidental trauma to students.
Lockdown drills are specific safety exercises designed to practice how students and staff should respond in the event of potential dangers both within or outside the school, such as school shootings, with the aim of maximizing safety.
Currently, New York State law mandates that public schools conduct a minimum of four lockdown drills each year. According to The Journal News, Angelique Johnson-Dingle, the Deputy Commissioner of the State Education Department, pointed out that the revision was deemed necessary to address concerns that drills mimicking real emergencies may be too realistic, potentially frightening students, staff, and parents, thus leading to unexpected trauma or harm.
Therefore, the Board of Regents revised the school safety rules to require schools to design lockdown drills suitable for the physical and mental development and age of students. The drills should not involve “props, actors, simulations, or other strategies designed to mimic school shootings,” in an effort to prevent accidental trauma or harm to students, staff, and families. Additionally, schools must notify students’ parents or guardians at least one week prior to the drill. If a district or school wishes to participate in local “comprehensive exercises,” including simulating school shootings or violent behavior, these exercises may not take place during regular school days or activities. Furthermore, students may not participate without written consent from their parents or guardians.
The revised regulations will take effect from the 2024-25 school year, which commences this upcoming autumn.