Marlene NguepnangKarhlikerWorld LiteratureMarch 13, 2014School shootings: the right to safetyAmerican schools are considered a safe environment, which helps enrich and develop young minds; but the recent increase in mass school shootings proves this assumption to be false. In the event of a school shooting; the shooter enters a university building and shoots students and school staff. America's school shootings are a complex maze for which even the government has not yet been able to find the best and most stable solution. There are an unlimited number of questions and few or no answers; Should gun buyers and owners undergo more restrictions and background checks? Should families and patients with mental illnesses receive more financial help and support? Is there work to be done to improve the safety of American schools? The first school shooting occurred in the late 1700s, students and teachers experienced what was an ordinary school day, but everything changed when four Lenape Indians entered the school in Greencastle, PA (Epstein). The gunmen killed up to 10 children and the school principal. At this time in history, school shootings were rare. Today, school shootings have become more common: "At least 24 shootings were recorded during the 2012-2013 school year...up eight shootings from the 2011-2012 school year, and up to a total of 12 during the 2010-2011 school year. » (Bidwell). This shows that school shootings are increasing year over year, even if they don't happen as often as people think. Adam Lanza, Seung-hui Cho, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold all have one thing in common: they each participated. in the three worst mass shootings in American history. Adam Lanza shot up elementary school, Seung-hui Cho shot and killed 32 people... middle of paper ...... ser, Christine. "Virginia Tech shooting leaves 33 dead". The New York Times. Np, April 16, 2007. Internet. February 12, 2014 Lankford, Adam. “What Motivates Suicidal Mass Killers.” The New York Times. Np, December 17, 2012. Internet. February 12, 2014.Mackay, Jenny. The Columbine school shooting. Farmington Hills: Gale, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.Robertz, j. Franc. "Deadly Dreams: What Drives School Shootings? [Preview]." Scientific American. Np, July 30, 2007. Web. February 10, 2014. Sutter, John D. “The Columbine Massacre Changed School Safety.” CNN.com. Np, April 20, 2009. Web. February 12, 2014. Szabo, Liz. "Newtown shooting calls for mental health reform." USA Today (2013):Web. February 10, 2014 “Virginia Tech Shootings Fast Facts.” CNN.com. Np, October 31, 2013. Web. February 19, 2014. Zakaria, Fareed. "The Real Tragedy of Gun Violence in America." CNN.com. Np, December 14, 2013. Web. February 14. 2014.