Following the tragic events of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, the families of the four students who lost their lives are now advocating for school accountability. This call to action stems from the recent guilty verdicts of Jennifer and James Crumbley, parents of the shooter, Ethan Crumbley, for involuntary manslaughter.
The families, collectively known as 'The Families for Change,' emphasized that the verdict against the Crumbleys is just the beginning of their pursuit for justice and accountability. They aim to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in Michigan and across the nation.
The victims of the shooting included Tate Myre, Justin Shilling, Hana St. Juliana, and Madisyn Baldwin, with seven others sustaining injuries during the incident. The legal proceedings following the shooting have been groundbreaking, as Ethan Crumbley became the first shooter in U.S. history to be charged and convicted of terrorism.
Prosecutors highlighted that school administrators had contacted Crumbley's parents regarding concerning drawings made by Ethan before the shooting. Despite the alarming content of the drawings, the parents allowed their son to remain in school, where he later carried out the tragic events.
The Families for Change are urging Michigan's Attorney General to investigate Oxford Community Schools and the Oxford School District, seeking the removal of board members who were in leadership roles at the time of the shooting. They are also advocating for enhanced gun safety measures and support from state officials to address gun violence effectively.
Several civil lawsuits have been filed against school officials, with allegations of negligence and inadequate response to warning signs. These legal actions underscore the need for improved safety protocols and accountability within educational institutions.
The families of the victims are committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. Their advocacy efforts reflect a broader societal push for enhanced school safety measures and responsible gun ownership practices.
