Robert Griffin Psychoologist

I will submit to the TL editor: The commentary by Robert Griffin, psychologist published in the Times Leader February 24th was excellent. The first paragraph statics relaying that there has been no violence or shootings in Wyoming Valley Schools in over 200 years and that 55 million children go to s…

I will submit to the TL editor: The commentary by Robert Griffin, psychologist published in the Times Leader February 24th was excellent. The first paragraph statics relaying that there has been no violence or shootings in Wyoming Valley Schools in over 200 years and that 55 million children go to school safely without incident every day questions the rationale of placing armed teachers or officers in our schools. As a Ph.D. holder I have been schooled in decision-making based on valid data, the statics do not justify the need to place weapons in schools. If ever there was an over reaction to an event(s) this may be the one theoretical solution that may in fact cause more problems than it prevents. Currently retired, I have held teaching and administrative positions in four states at the secondary and university levels. Along with state of the art curriculum and quality facilities, as stated by Dr. Griffin an atmosphere free of suspicion and distrust state the need for healthy school environments such as a positive staff, and adequate counseling personnel. Having spent five years with the PA Department of Corrections as a Director of Education I support Dr. Griffin’s conclusion that the schools are closely resembling the prisons with their cameras, metal detectors and even personal searches. The commentary points out: “In overreacting to dramatic rare events many schools are using more and more tactics and procedures borrowed from the prison systems, creating toxic environm