Following the tragic events at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021, where four students lost their lives and several others were injured, families of the victims are determined to seek justice and accountability.
During a recent press conference, parents of the victims, along with various stakeholders, demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the attack carried out by Ethan Crumbley. The group emphasized that their goal is not just prosecution but also to drive change and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Despite an independent 590-page investigation conducted by the Oxford Community Schools Board, only a third of the involved parties cooperated. The report highlighted failures at various levels within the school district to provide a safe environment.
Two key individuals, school counselor Sean Hopkins and former Dean of Students Nicholas Ejak, who possessed crucial information regarding the shooter's return to class, refused to participate in the investigation. The lack of cooperation from a significant number of current and former school employees has hindered the process of uncovering the truth.
The victims' parents are urging the state of Michigan to fund a comprehensive investigation and compel non-cooperative individuals to provide essential information through subpoena power.
While the parents of Ethan Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for their role in the tragedy, the victims' families believe that the school also bears responsibility for the massacre. They argue that the school officials failed to act on warning signs and could have prevented the incident.
Despite offers from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to review the case, the Oxford School Board declined, raising concerns about accountability and immunity agreements granted to certain school officials by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.
The parents of the victims stress the need for proactive measures to address the underlying issues that lead to such violent acts, rather than focusing solely on the tools used in the attacks. They emphasize the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent future tragedies.
As the families continue their quest for justice and accountability, they remain committed to ensuring that the lessons learned from the Oxford High School shooting are translated into meaningful changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of students.
