For many Milwaukee parents, walking to and from school used to be a normal part of growing up. Today, it is becoming a source of fear and anxiety.
Milwaukee has long struggled with crime, but recent incidents involving students raise a troubling question: Is it becoming too dangerous for our children to simply get to and from school safely?
On August 28, four students from Messmer High School were reportedly approached by three armed and masked suspects and robbed of their belongings. As of this writing, the suspects have not been apprehended.
The incident left many parents shaken, including Will King, who has two sons attending Messmer High School.
“These kids should be allowed to go to and from in the neighborhood, from their school to restaurants or whatever. I just think that they should be able to do that effortlessly.”
That sentiment is difficult to argue with. Students should not have to worry about becoming victims of crime while walking home from classes.
Unfortunately, the Messmer robbery was not an isolated incident.
This past Monday, a Bradley Tech student was confronted by at least two armed assailants. According to reports and video that has since gone viral, the suspects pointed guns directly at the teen, yelled insults at him, and one suspect allegedly struck the student with the handle of a handgun.
The footage is disturbing not only because of the violence itself, but because of how brazen the attackers appeared to be. These crimes are taking place in broad daylight, targeting young people whose only goal is getting home safely.
Parents across Milwaukee are increasingly forced to make difficult decisions. Should they allow their children to walk? Should students be required to travel in groups? Should parents rearrange work schedules to provide transportation? These are questions families should not have to ask in a city that claims to care about its youth.
The reality is that many Milwaukee students do not have the luxury of being driven to and from school every day. They rely on walking, public transportation, or rides from friends and family. When criminals target students, they are targeting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
City leaders, school officials, law enforcement, and community organizations must work together to address this growing concern. Increased patrols around schools, stronger community engagement, and holding violent offenders accountable are all part of the conversation that needs to happen.
Every child deserves to feel safe walking to and from school. Every parent deserves peace of mind when their son or daughter leaves home in the morning.
The fact that this is even a debate should concern all of us.
