The Business of School Safety: A Multibillion-Dollar Industry Emerges
In the wake of repeated mass shootings, the effort to keep schools safe has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry, as districts across the U.S. invest heavily in high-tech solutions marketed to prevent violence on campus. From AI-powered surveillance systems to bulletproof whiteboards and facial recognition entry points, companies are offering what many describe as a sense of assurance—though critics argue that some of these tools prioritize appearance over proven effectiveness.
As fear drives funding, questions persist: Are these technologies truly making schools safer, or are they simply capitalizing on tragedy?
If you’re developing this for an article, op-ed, or presentation, I can help expand on:
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The types of products being sold (e.g., door-locking systems, gunshot detection, threat assessment software)
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Key players in the industry
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Concerns from educators, parents, and civil rights groups
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Data on effectiveness—or lack thereof
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Alternatives (e.g., mental health funding, community intervention)
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