John Beam, the 66-year-old football coach and proud graduate of Skyline High School, was struck and killed. He was shot and killed at his school, Laney College, on Thursday. The tragic incident has left the community mourning the loss of a beloved figure who was a star of the Netflix series “Last Chance U.” Beam’s passing is an incalculable loss for the college. He was a beating heart of the local youth football scene and constantly in motion around the community.
And despite the turbulent times, Beam devoted quite a bit of energy to Laney College. He didn’t stop there, but continued to actively coach and mentor young athletes there. He himself was shot on campus, the very campus he had cautioned was indeed unsafe. Unfortunately, he passed away only 24 hours later. Just hours before the shooting, Beam had raised concerns about the adequacy of security on campus during a board meeting. He voiced his opposition to arming six guards at Laney College and called attention to particular points of concern, like the field house, where he would eventually lose his life.
The circumstances surrounding Beam’s death have led to increased scrutiny of campus safety protocols. Five years ago, the district terminated its joint workforce with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Instead, it decided to move forward with an unarmed security force. This shift has raised questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and whether they adequately protect students and staff.
Beam’s concerns were not limited to her single courthouse or jurisdiction. During his discussions with the college administrators on safety measures, he raised awareness to all four Laney campuses. His unapologetic, proactive approach to addressing these issues emphasizes just how much community dialogue about campus security is needed, especially during these troubling times.
He is remembered for his dedication to serving others, as described by his co-worker James Beere, who said,
“open to helping everybody in our community.” – James Beere
The developers and the community behind it feel this desire. Beam’s legacy will continue to inspire others, despite his untimely passing.