Mujey Dumbuya: When Schools Should Be Safe Havens, Not Danger Zones

 Educators, administrators, and staff work tirelessly every day, often under enormous pressure, to shape young minds and build brighter futures. 

They carry the weight of teaching and guiding our children while navigating countless challenges. We see them. We value them. And we must support them.💜

But recent tragedies remind us that our trust in school safety has been shaken. The heartbreaking case of Mujey Dumbaya, who was assaulted and later murdered by prompting and coordination through Quinn James, a convicted felon employed as a janitor at her school, exposes critical flaws in our system. 

It’s a haunting reminder that our children are vulnerable when safeguards meant to protect them are inadequate.

This isn’t just about one incident. It’s about systemic gaps that leave our children exposed. It’s about understanding that those who harm children often seek positions of trust and access. And it’s about ensuring that every adult who interacts with children is thoroughly vetted.

Background Checks Are Not Optional—They Are Essential

We can no longer afford to treat background checks as a mere formality. They are a necessity. Every adult who plans to work with children—whether as a teacher, coach, janitor, volunteer, or contractor—must undergo comprehensive and continuous background screening.

This isn’t about creating barriers for those who want to make a positive impact. It’s about protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children. It’s about closing the loopholes that allow predators and dangerous individuals to gain access to schools under the radar.

A Call for Stronger Protections and Accountability

To truly protect our children, we must take action:

• Mandatory Background Checks: Every adult working with children, in any capacity, must undergo thorough criminal background checks. This must include school employees, contractors, and volunteers.
• Continuous Monitoring: It is not enough to conduct a one-time check. We need continuous monitoring systems that alert school authorities of any new arrests or convictions.
• No Discretion for Dangerous Offenses: Loopholes that allow individuals with violent or dangerous criminal histories to work in schools must be closed permanently.
• Transparency and Accountability: Schools must be transparent about their hiring practices and held accountable for ensuring child safety.

Communities Must Demand Action

This is not merely about policy—it’s about our collective responsibility to safeguard our children. It’s about demanding more from our lawmakers, school boards, and community leaders. It’s about creating an environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear.

Communities must come together to hold decision-makers accountable. Our political leaders must prioritize the safety of our children. We must all raise our voices to demand stronger protections and proactive solutions.

Our children deserve to be safe. Our educators deserve to work in safe environments. Our communities deserve peace of mind.

Gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated legal and law enforcement team who solved this crime. 

Prayers of comfort to the family, friends,  safe school staff and loved ones of Mujey Dumbaya, Rest in Peace🕊

As for those of us still here on earth, it’s time to act. 

Let’s work together to make our schools the safe havens they were meant to be.