Mission-Critical Partnerships in Protest Preparedness and Schools

Security benefits can come from unexpected sources, especially in community-centric organizations like schools and colleges. Melinda Heikkinen from Saint Louis University (SLU) explains how the college’s history of open dialogue and philosophy of meeting peace with peace helped it weather a wave of mass protests on campus. Then, Jason Stoddard with the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD), digs into establishing a feeling of safety in schools, including the four elements that lead to greater school security.
Additional Resources
Read more from Melinda Heikkinen about protest and activism responses at Saint Louis University in her article here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/05/mass-protests/campus-protest-slu/
Interested in reading the Clock Tower Accords from SLU? They are available online here: https://www.slu.edu/diversity/occupy-slu/clock-tower-accords/index.php
If your organization or employees are likely to participate in any marches, rallies, or activism activities, it could benefit you to establish and send a rules of engagement document. Check out a template here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/05/mass-protests/rules-of-engagement-document/
Worried about vandalism or graffiti during protests? Read guidance from the International Facility Management Association: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/05/mass-protests/graffiti-protocols/
Read more from Jason Stoddard about the four free elements that make the difference in school safety and security here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/04/k12/school-safety-directors/
Want to hear from other school stakeholders about where their work overlaps with security? Check out the Security Management collection: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/04/k12/
Learn about the National Council on School Safety Directors online: https://www.zeronow.org/ncssd