Epictetus taught that freedom comes from the mastery of our own minds, not from external sources.
Epictetus taught that freedom comes from the mastery of our own minds, not from external sources. He argued that we must learn to act according to reason and virtue, regardless of external pressures or opinions.
This principle forms the heart of the question we ask ourselves: Are our actions as school business professionals truly aligned with our understanding of the right course, or are they influenced by the opinions of those around us?
The idea of independence from external judgment can serve as a powerful lens through which to evaluate the decisions we make regarding school safety and security today.
Ask yourself whether your actions are based on your own expert judgment or whether you are being swayed by external pressures from parents, teachers, or the broader community. Are your decisions self-driven, rooted in your values and expertise, or are you merely a performer on a stage, where your audience dictates your actions?
This philosophical inquiry is crucial when it comes to school safety and security. The stakes are high; children’s lives and wellbeing are at the center of our decisions, so the motivations behind them must be scrutinized.
Confidence in Decisions
Responsibility for school security requires professionals to make decisions based on expert knowledge. Whether through experience, training, or education, decision-makers must be confident in their actions.
All of us have experienced drills, listened to staff members and administrators, attended workshops and conferences, and built networks to support our mission. That should give us all a keen understanding of best practices, of actions to minimize threats, and of the application of preventive strategies related to safety on our respective campuses.
There is no denying the emotional and political pressures we face. Those pressures are the complex, often intense, demands from parents, teachers, and community members who want to feel secure, even if their demands don’t always align with the best practices and professional recommendations.
Of course, Epictetus didn’t advocate ignoring others’ perspectives altogether. It is important to engage parents, teachers, and community members to build trust and cooperation in our effort and balance our decisions with expert judgment and community input.
After tragedies such as the spate of school shootings, there are renewed pressures to quickly implement visible and extreme security measures, like installing metal detectors and arming security guards. Although these actions may provide immediate comfort to concerned parents and the public, they are not necessarily long-term solutions.
True freedom and leadership come from adhering to principles of reason and virtue, even when external pressures push us in a different direction.
Research—including findings from the National Association of School Psychologists—presents no clear evidence that metal detectors, security cameras, or guards in schools are effective in preventing school violence.
The study suggests that comprehensive approaches—such as investing in mental health resources, conducting threat assessments, and creating positive school climates— are more effective in preventing violence in schools.
These efforts can address the root causes of violence and create environments where students are more likely to report suspicious behavior or reach out for help. But because these measures are less tangible and take longer to demonstrate results, they are often overshadowed by the more immediate, “audience-pleasing” actions.
Reflect on Your Motivations
Finally, Epictetus’s question—“Do you have an audience or does the audience have you?”—challenges us to reflect on the motivations behind our actions. Are we acting according to our own understanding of what is right, or are we bending to the will of others?
In the realm of school safety and security, this question takes on profound significance. The responsibility to protect students is immense, and the pressures from parents, teachers, and the community can be overwhelming. However, as Epictetus posits, true freedom and leadership come from adhering to principles of reason and virtue, even when external pressures push us in a different direction.
Don’t let the pressure to act swiftly and visibly drive your decision-making; opt for measures that ultimately create a safer environment.