By: Chelsea Dekock

Springfield, Ill. has witnessed an alarming amount of violence spread across the city: from physical altercations to verbal disputes. The news has spread across our town and has inserted itself into the “small-talk gossip.” Although these public displays seem to be coincidental, the majority of them have taken place at White Oaks Mall. With District 186 establishing the Springfield Learning Academy and the State of Illinois placing their employees’ offices at this mall, many wonder if White Oaks is still a safe place for not only themselves, but for their children.

Springfield High School Athletic Director Brian Barnes, also a District 186 parent, addresses his concerns upon the safety of the mall. “As a staff member, you know, I’m concerned that our kids are getting involved and I don’t want our students to get hurt or get in trouble. As a parent it makes me concerned about letting my daughter go to the mall, if the environment in the mall isn’t necessarily the safest.” 

Mr. Barnes continues, “I think it has a lot to do with social media. People are a lot more bold in what they say to somebody else, especially if they’re doing it behind a screen. I just think some people have lost their ability to solve problems using their words, and have resulted in using violence.” 

Despite the parental opinions upon the safety of the mall, many teenagers are also perturbed by the fighting. This includes Maria Dejong, a freshman at Springfield High. Dejong and her friends were once active shoppers at White Oaks; however, Dejong shares her opinions upon the fights and how it has impacted her peers. “I just think it’s so messed up. The mall is supposed to be a fun place for families, and now all reasonable parents don’t want their kids going anywhere near it. It honestly makes me so sad that this is what this generation has come to. I also got so upset after it happened because people were posting their stories making fun of the situation. It is truly not funny.”

These fights at White Oaks Mall are undoubtedly affecting the Springfield community, but many don’t know how to address it. Another staff member of District 186, Mr. Patrick Phillips, history teacher and soccer coach, shares his input on how we should handle this violence for the protection of our community. “I definitely think that there should be a real police presence at the mall, for the foreseeable future, especially with government employees moving into the building, and District 186 establishing the Learning Academy in White Oaks. We need to regain order in not only the mall, but as a community. People have ruined a public place that is meant for those to enjoy and be able to shop and feel safe.” 

White Oaks has been such an outlet for people to socialize and bond as a community. It’s important for Springfield to take action and address this issue. Whether they enforce a stronger police presence or monitor students’ social media more carefully,  it is crucial for citizens to work together so we can create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone at the mall. 

Photo Courtesy of We Are Central Illinois news