DHS Sec. Mayorkas: Relationships, Not Tech, Central to Creating Safe Schools
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Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security Secretary, leads an agency that was established in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This agency is primarily known for its mass surveillance practices and strict security protocols at airports. However, Mayorkas believes that the key to ensuring student safety in schools lies in developing strong relationships.
Time and time again, before carrying out school shootings, gunmen have exhibited various warning signs, such as an unhealthy interest in violence and a history of trauma. After these attacks, conversations often focus on missed opportunities for intervention as cryptic or explicit social media posts come to light. Mayorkas emphasizes that breaking this cycle requires a vigilant community.
"We are observing individuals who potentially have mental health issues and grievances. They have expressed their challenges openly, discussing violence," Mayorkas explained. "What we have seen are indications of a desire for violence and evidence of planning or plotting an attack. It is crucial to educate people on recognizing these signs and expressions, as well as knowing how to seek help for these individuals."
In response to the rise in mass school shootings, school districts across the country have allocated over $3 billion towards school security. Campus police have become commonplace, active-shooter drills are now routine, and digital surveillance of students has become normalized. The Department of Homeland Security endorses "threat assessment," a process where educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement analyze a student’s behaviors and statements to determine if they are "heading towards violence," as Mayorkas describes it.
This environment poses a challenge for school leaders, as they are tasked with ensuring school safety while upholding students’ civil liberties.
In anticipation of the first-ever National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, the Department invited for an interview with Mayorkas to discuss this complex landscape. Mayorkas addressed questions about the alarming increase in mass school shootings, the mishandled police response in Uvalde, Texas, and a major ransomware attack on the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Related: Can Educators and Law Enforcement Predict the Next School Shooter?
We have witnessed a rise in active mass shootings, including those specifically targeting schools. From your perspective, what are some of the trends observed in these attacks, and what strategies are your agency and other federal agencies employing to address this surge in violence?
Tragically, 2022 has seen the highest number of school shootings in the history of our nation, with just over 250 incidents reported. Our approach to this issue is multifaceted, aimed at educating and empowering schools to create safe environments.
Every child and every individual in this country, and indeed, around the world, deserves a secure, supportive environment for their education. To that end, we have the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which operates the schoolsafety.gov website dedicated to this critical mission.
Additionally, the United States Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) provides schools with resources on maintaining a safe environment. We have grant programs that fund innovative initiatives to build resilience and prevention models. Our Center for Prevention Programs and Partnership (CP3) is working to create a comprehensive resource hub that identifies federal aid available to schools.
We have various ongoing efforts within our department and throughout the administration.
Absolutely. Let’s discuss the concept of threat assessment. You mentioned the Secret Service’s study, which found that mass school shooters often exhibit identifiable traits before an attack. The approach is reminiscent of the "See Something, Say Something" initiative. Could you elaborate on threat assessments and the challenges of identifying individuals who pose a serious risk while safeguarding civil rights?
That’s correct. The protection of civil rights is of utmost importance. We have an Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, as well as an Office of Privacy, both established by statute. It is vital that we respect and uphold these fundamental rights and refrain from any infringement.
We are currently observing individuals who may be experiencing mental health issues or grievances, and they are expressing these challenges outwardly, often speaking about violence. Generally, we are seeing an interest in violence and a planning or plotting of attacks. It is important to educate people on how to identify these signs and expressions, and also what steps to take to seek help for these individuals.
Regarding the Uvalde tragedy and the response from law enforcement, I am interested in hearing your thoughts. More than 350 officers from various agencies arrived at the school, and ultimately, it was your officers who were able to stop the gunman. However, I would like to understand the reason for the delay. It took over an hour for law enforcement to confront the gunman. Do you have any insights into the factors that caused this delay, and what lessons can be learned by educators, law enforcement officials, and others in the security field from this response?
There is much to learn from the response in Uvalde, and investigations are currently underway. Therefore, I would prefer not to comment on the reported delays in the response.
The tragedy in Uvalde was devastating, and every situation may require a different response. There is extensive training available on how law enforcement should handle active shooter situations. The critical part is to analyze each incident, as unfortunate as they may be, and learn from them to improve best practices. It is important to disseminate these best practices not only to law enforcement but also to the healthcare community and others involved.
One of our priorities in this administration is to encourage a comprehensive response from all levels of government and the community to this threat. We are working with the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and various local community groups, parent associations, school systems, and healthcare networks. This issue demands a collective effort to address the fact that individuals are expressing their challenges and infirmities through acts of violence, particularly against children.
A significant concern that has arisen from the response to the shooting is the presence of law enforcement officers in schools. The federal government has invested heavily in placing police officers in schools over the years. How do you respond to advocates who are calling for police-free schools?
This is a complex issue that extends beyond just the school system but also applies to other contexts. I have had discussions with faith leaders on how to create welcoming and open environments in places of congregation, learning, and worship, while ensuring safety and security. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We must prioritize safety but also consider how security guards are integrated into the school community.
Next, let’s discuss cybersecurity and the darker aspects of the internet. The Uvalde school district utilized a company called Social Sentinel to monitor social media and identify potentially threatening posts. School districts throughout the country use various surveillance tools to monitor how students interact online and to detect signs of violence before it occurs. However, the White House recently released a Bill of Rights for AI, which advises schools to limit continuous surveillance of students if it could infringe on their civil rights. What are your thoughts on monitoring students’ behavior on social media and other online platforms to identify threats of violence?
The key is to establish an open line of communication with one’s children so that parents can understand the type of online activity they are engaged in. Creating an environment of open communication is crucial, as is promoting digital literacy so that children can discern credible information from unreliable sources.
A recent survey revealed that police officers surveil students online, both at school and at home.
Parents have the ability to utilize privacy settings and take responsibility for understanding and monitoring their children’s online activities. It is crucial to educate children about their own behavior and the behavior of others while they are online. Creating an open and communicative environment, along with promoting digital literacy, is essential. Children should be aware of what they see online and how to respond appropriately. Furthermore, it is important for parents, friends, relatives, and teachers to recognize warning signs when a child shows signs of potential violence.
When it comes to identifying critical signs, it is advisable to seek guidance from mental health professionals. However, there are some examples to consider. If an individual expresses intentions or fascination with violence, while becoming socially withdrawn, it is important to communicate, ask questions, and engage with that child to gain further understanding.
Recently, there has been an increase in a dangerous phenomenon known as swatting, where prank calls are made to emergency personnel. This criminal activity places innocent individuals at risk. It is crucial to prevent swatting by collaborating with various partners, educating students, and raising awareness about its dangers.
The surge in swatting incidents, which are affecting schools, is a matter of concern. It is alarming how easily this activity can be replicated in different locations. To combat this, education and prevention efforts are necessary. Cooperation with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as campus law enforcement, is essential in addressing and preventing swatting incidents.
Moving on to cybersecurity, the Los Angeles school district recently fell victim to a ransomware attack. Despite not paying the ransom, some of their data was posted on the dark web. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise, targeting not only schools but also hospitals, law enforcement organizations, and businesses. While victims often find themselves in a challenging situation, it is advised not to pay the ransom. Defenses against such attacks have been strengthened, and law enforcement agencies are actively responding to these threats.
In the event that a school district becomes a victim of a cyber threat, there is assistance available from various federal agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Secret Service are well-equipped to provide support. They can assist in identifying the intrusion, removing the intruder, patching vulnerabilities, and holding the criminals accountable.
According to a recent Pew poll, approximately one-third of parents have significant concerns about the possibility of a school shooting. As a parent yourself, have you experienced similar concerns? To what extent do you believe parents should be worried about the occurrence of a shooting at their child’s school? It is a heartbreaking reality when parents have to worry about the safety of their children due to potential attacks at schools.
Schools must prioritize training their staff and students on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation. When I was a child growing up in Los Angeles, California, we were taught how to respond to fires, earthquakes, and even bomb threats. School shootings were not something we were prepared for back then. Unfortunately, they are now a grim reality, and it is crucial for schools to provide training while parents also communicate with their children, not to create panic, but to promote vigilance and awareness.
Over the past few years, online platforms, such as forums, have been utilized to radicalize young individuals, leading them towards becoming mass school shooters or promoting white nationalism. I would like to explore further the landscape of these online forums and discuss strategies to combat this issue without infringing upon First Amendment rights.
The range of threats goes beyond what you have mentioned. This is why it is essential to foster open communication with children and adolescents, who are impressionable, in order to create a safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing what they encounter. Parents should also remain vigilant regarding privacy settings and help develop digital literacy among young people. They need to understand what information is credible, what is not, what may be threatening, and what is harmless.
This undertaking requires a collaborative effort involving not just the government, but also industry partners, think tanks, and the entire community. We are collaborating with online gaming companies to establish a secure environment and educate children about the potential dangers of the online world, including cyberbullying and extremist ideologies that promote violence.
What makes the gaming community particularly important in this effort? Well, we are reaching out to a diverse range of stakeholders, including social media companies and influential thought leaders. However, the gaming community comprises a significant number of children and therefore plays a crucial role in creating a safe and secure online ecosystem. They can help individuals understand both the advantages and risks of the online environment.
While our increased connectivity offers tremendous opportunities for prosperity, it also brings inherent risks. I sincerely appreciate your time in addressing these questions and discussing this crucial matter. Is there anything else you believe is important that I may have overlooked?
I want to emphasize the sadness surrounding the prevalent issue of school safety. It is disheartening that we must have these conversations about protecting our schools. However, on a positive note, the community, including the federal government and various other stakeholders, is highly attentive and committed to addressing this issue in a productive and constructive manner.