20 years later: Experts available to discuss aftermath of Columbine school shooting

April 20 marks the 20th anniversary of the horrific shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., which claimed the lives of 12 students and one teacher. CU Boulder experts are available to provide insights learned from this tragedy, along with new creative strategies aimed at improving school climate. 

School safety: Researchers with the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence estimate translating their research into action could eliminate 30 percent of violent incidents in schools today. The center has rolled out numerous programs including Safe Communities Safe Schools—a comprehensive school safety program which is being implemented in 44 Colorado middle schools so far. Meanwhile, Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development provides a list of scientifically-vetted programs for addressing things like bullying, depression and substance abuse in schools. In 2018, the center partnered with the Colorado Attorney General’s office to co-author the Colorado School Safety Guide, a 145-page resource spelling out research-based recommendations. Learn more. 

Using Shakespeare to combat bullying: Amanda Giguere, director of outreach for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, can discuss the organization’s Shakespeare and Violence Prevention Tour. The tour teaches K-12 students strategies for preventing violence through live performances and the latest school violence research. The program, a partnership between the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, has reached over 100,000 Colorado students and is currently touring “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night” in schools around the Denver area.

Media coverage of mass shootings: Journalism Professor and journalism department Chair Liz Skewes researches how the media covers mass shootings. 

Contact:
Julie Poppen, CU Boulder media relations
julie.poppen@colorado.edu
720-503-4922

Beverly Kingston, director, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence
beverly.kingston@colorado.edu

Bill Woodward, director of training and technical assistance, CSPV
bill.woodward@colorado.edu

Amanda Giguere
amanda.giguere@colorado.edu

Liz Skewes
elizabeth.skewes@colorado.edu