Following the recent tragedy at Garfield High School, Seattle students are mobilizing to demand increased investment in mental health resources within their schools. In the aftermath of the shooting, the voice of the youth has been particularly resonant, calling on city officials to repurpose available funds toward mental health support. Natalya McConnell, a senior at Franklin High School and a member of the Seattle Student Union, has emerged as an outspoken advocate for these resources. In an interview with FOX 13 Seattle, McConnell articulated the frustration felt by many: "There's not a lack of money right now. It's about what our elected officials, Mayor Bruce Harrell, does with that money, and we're trying to put the pressure on him to actually use that money."
Students have not been silent in their discontent with the current state of affairs. Reflecting on the November 2022 shooting at Ingraham High School, McConnell noted to KOMO News the inadequate number of mental health counselors available to Seattle students. "We still only have one mental health counselor for 1,300 students at Franklin," she explained, emphasizing the necessity of accessible support for preventing violence.
The Seattle Student Union has taken concrete action, recently publishing a letter calling for the city to direct funds from a payroll tax on major companies, such as Amazon, to bolster mental health services. This surefire approach aims to address the long-standing issue of overburdened counselors and the difficulty in accessing mental health appointments within the district. The letter emphasizes, "The city has a responsibility to protect students and prevent school shootings," a sentiment echoing the belief that more can be done to safeguard the well-being of the youth.
In response to the concerns raised, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced an increase in police patrols around the Garfield neighborhood while acknowledging the need for further supports. According to figures cited during his press conference, the 2023 adopted budget and the 2024 endorsed budget allocate $4 million for mental health support for K-12 students, which includes expanded services at Ingraham High School. Yet, the plea from students like McConnell suggests a gap between the allocation of funds and the tangible improvement in student support services—a gap they are determined to bridge through advocacy and action.
