On Aug. 23, West’s first day of classes, three non-West teenagers trespassed inside West High after school hours and chased a West student through the hallways during a football scrimmage against North Scott. This incident resulted in a physical altercation involving a knife, though the victim did not require medical attention. Only a few weeks later, another crime was reported on West property during the Homecoming parade, involving a student, who was not from West, and an unknown suspect.

While reports like these can raise anxiety levels for students, the WSS Editorial Board feels West’s campus is a safe place, based on multiple studies by The National Center for Education Statistics and Education Week in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
To combat potential violence, West has enforced additional security measures in recent years, such as requiring students to show IDs to enter the building during school hours, locking classroom doors and ensuring the security of the main entrance. This is not exclusive to West, with most public schools around the country making a point to add security measures to protect students.

Though the school prioritizes student safety, students need to make smart decisions regarding their own safety. Especially at night, WSS recommends traveling in groups, parking under lights and carrying protective equipment, like personal safety alarms. While these precautions may seem excessive, they play an important role in making sure students are mindful of their surroundings and able to protect themselves when necessary.
Regardless of the current trajectory of violence rates, students must take all steps possible to keep themselves and others safe. Critically assessing situations for any danger and quick response are important skills for students to develop.

Resources for students who feel threatened or who have something to report are always available in the main office and guidance office.