Green Bay Area Public Schools has announced a new backpack policy for grades 6-12 after a gun was found after a fight at Preble High School (story HERE).

Thank goodness no one was seriously hurt.
Thank goodness Green Bay Police responded and added extra protection.
And thank goodness the schools are taking further measures to protect students.

Sadly, it doesn’t start here. Not even close. Green Bay youth is not doing well right now. Especially closer to the urban core. They’re causing problems on the City Deck and Broadway. They’re abusing public transportation services. And they continue to cause problems at the retail hub in Ashwaubenon.

This is because bad parents continue to neglect their children and allow them to fall under the influence of the wrong people. These are people who solve their problems with Crime and violence.

Its tough to watch.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched the problematic youth in the area grow, and instead of graduating high school and taking steps towards a prosperous future, they’re falling in with the wrong people.

Simply because their parents can’t be bothered to be parents.

And it’s a conversation the won’t even hear out. Bad parents are the most defensive. If a teacher or administrator talks to them, they’ll tune out or turn defensive. When it’s police talking to them, they’ll insist their kids did nothing wrong.

Then there is no accountability. And when there is no accountability, violence is allowed to flourish. I’ve been a victim to it a few times.

Our community leaders are trying. I’ve seen them. I’ve had conversations with them.

But if there is no action in the home, then Green Bay will continue to slip into a very scary and potentially dangerous place.