Cyndi Loza

Nevada high school students on Monday discussed issues of school violence and campus safety with state officials.

Reno students joined their peers in Carson City and Clark County via teleconference at Truckee Meadows Community College. The discussion was coordinated by state Sen. Steven Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, and Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly who led the discussion from the Grant Sawyer State Office Building in Las Vegas. Students from Carson City met at the Legislative Building in Carson City.

“A lot of times, it’s adults having meetings with adults, and youth have no opportunity to have a voice in the process,” Horsford said. “This is an issue where students should have a voice in ways to increase school safety.”

About 40 Washoe students attended the meeting at the community college on Dandini Boulevard.

“I really think it’s a good idea,” said Hug High junior Makiyah Jackson, 17. “I think the schools need to talk to us because we’re the ones that are in the mix and we’re the ones that see what goes on when teachers don’t.”

When Horsford asked the students in each of the three locations how they felt about “snitching,” Jackson said students often fear they might place themselves in danger if they report an incident of violence.

“I think there should be an anonymous way to report because no one is going to report anything if they feel threatened,” Jackson said.

Horsford said he would consider supporting a mobile text message system that students can use to report tips. About guns, Horsford asked “where do they come from, where do you get them and how can we stop them?”

North Valleys High School senior Shidi Okonkwlo said he knows students get guns for one of three reasons: “You get them to be cool, because you’re scared, or just to let someone know they shouldn’t be messed with.”

Okonkwlo, 17, suggested some type of gun control program to help remedy the problem.

When Weekly asked whether Southern Nevada and Northern Nevada shared the same problems, Reno students unanimously said “no.”

While Clark County students suggested more school police or metal detectors, Damonte Ranch High School senior Michelle Ybarra said more programs are needed in Northern Nevada.

“Schools should help you feel safe. Why are you going to sit there for six hours if you don’t feel safe?” said Ybarra, 17. “I think there should be a before and after-school program.”

Washoe County schools Police Chief Mike Mieras said he wants a similar forum.

“This is a Nevada issue, but I think we need to look at our area first,” Mieras said.

Mieras said a part of the discussion that piqued his interest was the response students had when asked if they knew the consequences of bringing a gun to school. A majority of Clark students responded they understood the consequences but only about a third of Washoe students felt they did.

Darryl Feemster Sr., Reno youth-senior division manager, invited the students to the Youth City Council meeting April 22.

“It’s a televised event that gives them the opportunity to speak out about issues important to them and gives them access to city and county resources,” Feemster said.

Mieras said students with knowledge of an incident of violence should contact Secret Witness at 322-4900.