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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSchool Officials Want To Tear Down Columbine Due To Increased 'Morbid Fascination'
Jefferson County Superintendent Jason Glass said hes considering demolishing the Colorado school and building a new one, according to local reports.
I have to admit this makes me just want to cry... I understand why they might propose it, but
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/columbine-school-officials-plan-tear-down_n_5cf9a54fe4b0b08cf7eb680a
In 1999, no guidance existed on what to do with a building such as Columbine High School. Today school safety experts recommend tearing down buildings where school shootings take place, Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Jason Glass said in a letter obtained Thursday by NBC affiliate KUSA-TV in Denver. Since the morbid fascination with Columbine has been increasing over the years, rather than dissipating, we believe it is time for our community to consider this option for the existing Columbine building.
The Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education is requesting feedback from the community and may ask for an additional $60 million to $70 million on the November ballot to construct a new high school that would have the same name, mascot and colors, according to the letter. Glass reportedly said that about $15 million thats part of a bond program previously designated for the high school can go toward the new building or be redistributed to other schools in the county for upgraded safety features.
Volaris
(10,274 posts)better to leave the building where it is, erect a monument to the MURDERED, and spend the rest on GUN CONTROL LOBBYING.
Just my two cents, and YMMV.
hlthe2b
(102,360 posts)I visited it last year.
It is the name of the school as much as the building and location that they fear is the magnet for these a'holes who worship the Columbine shooters.
I think this will strike the survivors like yet another kick in the gut, but...
gldstwmn
(4,575 posts)voting for this boondoggle.
madaboutharry
(40,220 posts)If they want to tear it down because of a morbid fascination why would they not give a new high school a new name?
mainstreetonce
(4,178 posts)It is too late to hear it down.
gratuitous
(82,849 posts)Didn't cost nearly that much, but it was part of the healing process in a very tight community.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)gratuitous
(82,849 posts)No word on whether Luke Skywalker is the school mascot, but I rate that as unlikely.
One room schoolhouses are easier to replace.
VOX
(22,976 posts)The money from voter-approved bonds would be well worth it. Why not eradicate the mystique this place has for the mentally unbalanced, to choke off their twisted fantasies of lasting notoriety?
The elimination of this shrine might actually play a part in saving some lives down the road.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)and mascot. It seems to me that a twisted mind won't make the distinction that the school is a new construction.
Build a new high school at a different location, give it a new name, new school colors and new mascot. Completely break with the past. And sell the land that the old school sat on.
VOX
(22,976 posts)My high school had to do some of that to accommodate Native Americans.
University High in West L.A., originally Warren Harding High (easy decision for a name change there), had as a Warrior, depicted as a Native American chief in profile.
In the late 1990s, a number of L.A. City schools with mascots like Braves, Indians, etc. had to switch, due to continued protests by Native Americans. In 1998, my old school was changed to the University High Wildcats. It made sense to me.
But I digress. Yes, as you suggest, clean-slate the entire Columbine re-do project, top to bottom.
2 or three months ago there was a story about a young lady who seemed to be fascinated with it and the locals were afraid she would show up armed.
Probably be better to raze it and put a nice memorial park to the victims... But, I don't live there and pay the taxes that would be spent so that's just my opinion
VOX
(22,976 posts)It seems that, whenever possible, venues that have experienced such horrific massacres are either razed, or changed to a significant degree.
gldstwmn
(4,575 posts)20 plus years. Initially the voters gave it to them but not so much any more. If they want to build a new school they should go to the state and ask for some of the pot revenue to do it. That's exactly what that money is for.
Personally I think the school should stay and continue so no one ever forgets what happened there. If this superintendent is saying he can't keep the school safe then that is a separate issue that needs to be addressed. I think it's foolish to demolish the school.