If we want schools to be safe places, we must address safety in communities and families. Schools are not inherently unsafe. The causes of violence in our schools vary considerably, but experts consistently link three phenomena to violence in schools. These are gang presence and activity, hate-motivated behavior, and drugs. Gang Presence and Activity.
Gangs are organized groups whose distinctive languages and dress identify their members.
Hate is also a cause of violence in our schools. When hate groups target particular people in society at large, they target those same people in schools. Ethnic, Racial, and Religious Groups. Our society and schools are becoming increasingly diverse ethnically and racially. Moreover, the increasing economic hardship Americans are experiencing has generated a backlash against immigrants, particularly ethnic and racial immigrants.