Eight years after Parkland, school safety still demands action from Congress
The Hill
by Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.); and Tony Montalto, opinion contributorsFebruary 25, 2026
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Eight years after the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, school safety remains a pressing issue that continues to demand action from Congress. While meaningful reforms have been passed, significant gaps remain in ensuring these measures are effectively implemented and reach every school and community. The anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for comprehensive policies that address both prevention and response strategies to protect students and staff.
Since the 2018 tragedy, Congress has made limited progress in enacting sweeping school safety reforms. Key legislative efforts include the Bipartisan School Safety Act, which provides funding for security measures like metal detectors and training programs for school personnel. Additionally, the National School Safety Commission was established to identify best practices and recommend actions to improve school safety nationwide. However, these initiatives have faced criticism for insufficient funding and uneven implementation across states.
The lack of consistent federal support has left many schools struggling to implement reforms. Rural and low-income communities, in particular, often lack the resources to invest in security upgrades or hire trained professionals like school counselors and psychologists. This disparity highlights a broader issue: while progress has been made, it has not been equitable, leaving some schools more vulnerable than others.
Politically, school safety remains a contentious issue tied closely to
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/25/2026