Violence in Our Community: Middle-Level Students' Voices on Walmart Shootings in El Paso, Texas

• In Event: From Dialogue to Action: Centering Equity and Justice in the Middle Grades

Abstract

We examined essays written by middle school students in El Paso, TX for their participation in the Do the Write Thing program focused on understanding and preventing violence. We analyzed 109 essays that addressed the August 3rd, 2019 Walmart shootings in El Paso that killed 23 people and injured another 23. Qualitative analysis of essays revealed themes of affective, behavioral, and cognitive reactions to the shootings. Affective themes included fear, anger, sadness, shock, disappointment, relief and hope. Behavioral themes included immediate and ongoing behaviors, and resilience. Cognitive themes included attempts to understand violence, thoughts on racism, and need for change. Results will enable educators to create learning environments that support the social emotional needs of these children.

Authors

• Sarah E. Peterson, University of Texas at El Paso

• Roberto Tinajero, Paul Quinn College

• Josefina V. Tinajero, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Anjanette Todd, University of Texas at El Paso