One effect noted, disapprovingly, by some students is a stronger tendency to think of someone in an accusatory way or to be more aware of people who are somehow different. Senior Nathan Roller worried that school officials were threatening civil liberties by checking students' backpacks if they wore black gothic clothing. The record shows that administration's response to the threat of school violence has been calm and measured. One additional campus supervisor has been hired and standby drills are given to prepare students in case there is an armed person loose in the school. In the drill, the teacher locks the classroom door, turns off the lights and instructs students to take appropriate cover.
Every freshman has the support of an upper classman.
They talk regularly and meet at the first sign of trouble. In acknowledging the similarities between their school and Columbine, Redwood students still point to important differences that make their school more hospitable. Students said while loners might be ignored, they weren't picked on. At Redwood, the drama program provides a positive context for students with purple hair. Redwood also has a energetic social issues curriculum.