With a rise in school shootings across the United States, some University of North Dakota students interviewed expressed underlying anxiety about school gun violence.
Incidents of mass shootings in K-12 schools and college campuses have risen sharply in the past five decades. Since 1970, “the number of school shootings each year has increased more than 12 times,” according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The study also found that the likelihood of children becoming school shooting victims has increased fourfold, while the death rate has risen more than sixfold. While UND has not experienced a school shooting, national trends are shaping how students perceive safety.
When asked if they thought a school shooting could happen on campus, a sophomore nursing student, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the subject, shared that they did. “They could happen anywhere,” they said. Regarding their reaction to the recent tragedies at various schools, they added that they felt slightly scared. “They’re bigger cities, and we’re kind of a smaller town. But still kind of scared.” A senior business major added, “I just felt a lot of sympathy for the families and honestly frustrated and angry that that would happen.”
When asked if they ever find themself imagining worst-case scenarios while in class or on campus, an anonymous junior pre-occupational therapy student said, “occasionally. Those thoughts tend to spike more when in the residence halls as it’s a much more intimate space and would be difficult to hide and escape in the event of a shooting.” Further, they noted that while they generally feel safe on campus, they “always [have] the underlying fear of shootings.”
According to UND’s official website, “Safety is a university priority. The University of North Dakota strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.” UND provides the SafeCampus app, which includes emergency contacts and response plans for scenarios such as an active shooter. Students are also required to complete a “Run, Hide, Fight” VectorSolutions training module each year.
In addition to existing policies, UND students were asked what measures could make them feel even safer. The sophomore nursing student answered that they would appreciate “more lights out at night or having cameras in more places,” while the junior in pre-OT mentioned “implementation of easier escape routes—especially for those with limited mobility,” and “the discussion of evacuation protocol for those in every class.” They mentioned that while they feel somewhat informed of what to do in the event of a shooting, “there is minimal discussion on it outside of VectorSolutions.” The same student also addressed broader policy changes. “I believe there should be stronger legal requirements behind the purchasing and owning of a gun,” they expressed. “The law can help place the barrier between a life lost and a life saved.” The senior business student suggested that “a security officer per building” at UND could be a proactive solution.
“I think it’s important that we have proper plans and rules in place so that in the event that did happen we would be able to minimize as much risk as possible,” they said.
Grace Larson is a Dakota Student Contributor. She can be reached at [email protected].
