DENVER (KDVR) — A national nonprofit, formed in response to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, has launched an independent investigation into a shooting outside East High School in Denver.
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids is a national organization dedicated to ending school violence.
A 16-year-old student was shot in his car on Monday, Feb. 13, sparking concern and calls for action.
As of Friday, the national director of Uvalde Foundation For Kids, Daniel Chapin, said the group had received 64 calls and emails from concerned parents, students and community members.
“We got an email saying that ‘there’s been more off days due to school violence or lockdowns at my school than there has been vacation days,’ and that was from a student,” Chapin said. “That’s why we’re involved.”
Chapin said the foundation works with students, parents and teachers willing to collaborate to look at what’s happening and how to move forward.
“Violence in this nation is being looked at all in the wrong way. We’re looking at it in a singular mode,” Chapin said. “We’re looking at it in the terms of actions, in terms of reaction, instead of in terms of prevention and changing the culture of violence.”
In launching this independent investigation, the foundation is working to help the school identify areas of weakness and offer solutions.
“The ultimate goal isn’t to crucify a school. It’s to look at how we can solidify and secure a school even stronger,” Chapin said.
Ellie McGoldrick, a student
