My name is Cassie Lathrope, and I am a senior studying Digital Media and Communications at Saint Michael’s College. This research endeavor is the culmination of my undergraduate work over the last four years and reflects my commitment to thoughtful, ethical storytelling.

Why School Shootings?

My senior research project focuses on school shootings out of a desire to better understand how these events affect individuals, communities, and the broader public conversation. In our current 24/7 news cycle and media landscape often driven by urgency, I am seeking to comprehend the details that are lost when stories are told without sufficient context, care, or reflection.

Throughout this project, I approached my research and writing with an emphasis on ethics, accuracy, and respect for those impacted by violence in schools. The goal of my research was not to sensationalize harm, but to analyze patterns and causes where possible. I wanted to consider how this research and first hand interviews can deepen understanding and help inform future conversations to assess preventative efforts.

This project is offered as a contribution to an ongoing and difficult conversation. I hope readers engage with this work not only as an academic project, but as an opportunity to reflect on how we understand violence and shape a safer future.