School Shootings Topic of Panel Discussion at UW

March 5, 2008 -- Recent school shootings have left many people asking why and what causes someone to take the lives of innocent people.

The timely topic has prompted University of Wyoming officials to host a free discussion about the subject. “School Shootings: Making Sense of the Senseless” is the panel’s topic Tuesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. in the UW College of Agriculture auditorium.

Panel members, comprising UW faculty from the psychology, sociology and journalism departments, campus police and UW counselors, will discuss what they believe influences people to turn to this kind of violence.

Everything from violent video games to easy access to guns has been blamed, says Anne Bunn, University Counseling Center interim director. She says, “While there is no single profile of a school shooter, and we cannot predict future events, experts are beginning to piece together information to help them understand these events.

“We hope to take a look at the larger picture, covering the topic from different angles,” Bunn adds. “Research indicates that most people believe that these students are reacting to negative events in their life, but the bigger question is why do they react this way when others don’t?"

Bunn, who will be the panel moderator, says discussion will consider a variety of factors that may influence these actions, including the psychological concerns of the individual, social influences and the media.

She adds that recent school shootings are a concern to faculty and staff nationwide, including those at UW.

“It’s a topic on everyone’s minds. We want to educate those who attend the panel discussion, and we also want to educate ourselves,” she says.

UW’s Campus Alert system, a text-messaging program that alerts the campus when an emergency arises, also will be discussed. The system is free and enrollment is open to all persons on campus.

For more information, call Bunn in the University Counseling Center at (307) 766-2187 or e-mail annecb@uwyo.edu.
 

Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2008