Due to the high number of recent school shootings and gun related discharges, 56% of Americans have come to expect these terrible incidents according to a poll conducted by CBS news. A debate has grown in the United States, whether to arm and train the public school teachers using federal funds. Under the right circumstances it has the potential to be a good idea but there are many issues with the situation. Such as the cost and accuracy of arming teachers, the abuse that could go on due to intimidation as well as the fact there is a better solution that would benefit the students of Texas better than just their teachers toting around a gun.
Diane Ravitch, who is the Former Assistant Secretary of Education brought up how “Every teacher [she’s
…show more content…
So yes, legally teachers have the right to be armed if their school board agrees with it and certifies. But why would they want to arm them? Yes, to protect our students but there is just so much that would cause issues. Law enforcement only has an 18% accuracy rating when the opposite opponent is firing back according to the RAND Corporation’s evaluation of the New York Police department. It shows that even a highly trained professional law enforcement officer has trouble shooting a suspect in highly stressful …show more content…
A SOR is a School Resource Officers are “sworn law enforcement officers responsible for safety and crime prevention” are a brilliant idea. There is already 14,000 to 20,000 SORs across the nation in the school system. SORs have proven to be effective in reducing school violence, according to the “Comprehensive School Safety Initiative” that is a research project that had a budget of $75 million thanks to the work of the National Institute of Justice. Recently a School Resource Officer, Deputy Blaine Gaskill was elected to receive the National award of Valor. He ended a school shooting very quickly in Maryland in March. The School Resource officers aren’t just there to tote around a gun, they’d be there to see “with a different set of eyes” (Blad) according to Sheri Bauman, a professor of counseling at the University of Arizona. They provide useful tips and can also relate more with students who aren’t comfortable talking to a counselor. According to several different surveys conducted the SORs have helped with issues from bullying to tardies to even violence. Which means it wouldn’t entirely be based on the scenario “if a school shooting occurs”, it would help improve the daily life of the students on
Every time I ask parents what they think about arming teachers they have a bunch of what if’s! What if the teacher goes crazy and shoots the kids? But statistically there are more students shooting the school then teachers! They say “fighting fire with fire” and by putting guns in the hands of teachers isn’t the answer. I believe the case right now is only the attacker has the fire at this point, and I think we need to put the fire in the hands of the good guys like the teachers and give them a way to protect themselves and their students. I have spoken to teachers and they say if any gun man that goes into their class room wanting to hurt anyone of their students, “they have to go through me first” so most people don’t think but teachers will lay down their lives to protect their students like if they were their own children so we should give them a way to do so.
We expect teachers to shape our future generations and teach students how they’re supposed to act in the real world, why not expect them to protect students from delirious shooters as well. The United States are not even top 10 best school systems in the world but let's worry about our education later. Teachers must now learn how to safely use a weapon and not only protect their students but themselves. Teachers are ALWAYS good people, who are ALWAYS in a good mood. The following article “4 reasons arming teachers is the worst idea when it comes to ending gun violence,” states, “Arming teachers is the same thing as arming any civilian – those guns could easily be used for anything but defense and defeats the purpose of creating a safe space in school” (Fratti, 2018). This article Mr. President shows that giving teachers guns would be like giving anyone guns. But how could this be? Teachers are not human they do not get mad from time to time and snap at students for talking over them multiple times. Imagine a teacher having a firearm in the same drawer they used to have the confiscated cell phones from students… not scary at all right? No need for parents to worry with guns in school
Imagine the notion of being defenseless against an individual holding the purpose of wreaking mass devastation on the students and faculty inside of a school. In 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut endured a tragedy that carries historical significance to the notion of shielding those inside of a classroom in a worst-case situation. When twenty-six students had their life taken away during a school massacre, the thought of permitting teachers to carry handguns during class drew more consideration than ever. The safety of the students inside of a school facility may be in jeopardy as manifested in school shootings such as the ones which transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Virginia Tech, where thirty-two students and teachers lost their lives (History.com). While many feel that presenting teachers with handguns may prove harmful to safety efforts, inflicting such standards would provide instructors and students equally with enhanced protection and overall security.
Although some say armed police officers in schools may be a danger to all, armed police officers should be present in schools because their presence alone can give a sense of safety. Having armed police officers on campus can deter bad situations from happening. They can also have an impact of the number of school shootings that occur. They can also help with situations that may occur with students that may have conflict with other students that a teacher or staff member may not be able to handle. In this era that we live in having armed officers in schools is a way to insure the safety of students.
My second reason as to why teachers should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon is that it has worked for other countries. Israel and Thailand actually encourage their teachers to carry weapons. There was an article in 2004 in the National Review that is about how Israel and Thailand are set examples of arming teachers. The article stated that, “Though Thailand’s government is extremely hostile to gun ownership in general, it has recognized that teachers ought to be able to safeguard their students and themselves.” I agree with this. Teachers should be allowed to protect their students and themselves and if allowing the teachers to carry a concealed weapon will protect them then let them do it. The article also stated that, “Terrorist attacks on schools and school children could almost be completely eliminated in a very short time.” There are examples of attacks on schools that have failed. In
Teachers and other administrators should be trained and required to carry firearms to school. There are many school shootings happening around the world. Teachers carrying firearms could protect their students, fellow teachers, and themselves from being harmed. Teachers will be able to react more quickly while waiting for law enforcement to arrive at the scene. Having teachers and administrators carrying guns will also give students a feeling of safety and security.
There are many reasons that teachers should not carry firearms. One reason is that children like to get their hands on absolutely everything, especially children who are younger. Many children love to allow their imaginations to run wild. They like to search for
There are two main opinions on equipping teachers with firearms. The problem is not with the polarization of these views, but the lack of willingness to compromise. Polarization of two ideas creates an inability to solve the problem. The National Rifle Association’s National School Shield is an uncompromising policy requiring a teacher to carry or possess a firearm (Pérez, 2017). The other side though is
But as in every argument there are very few reason to not be armed, but as in this situation the why’s weight out the why not’s. The way teachers, right now, are acting when a shooter comes in, is cowardly. The students are more willing to risk their lives to save their friends, that is true courage. But the student is unarmed, literally bringing a fist to a gun fight, if the teacher was armed that could change the game of how the shooting could play out. Either the teacher wins fighting hard, or the teacher dies cowardly. Teachers should be armed for the sake of themselves, piers, and students. Would you rather die fighting hard, or die coward
Since the establishment of public education in the United States, schools have provided a sense of security and belonging to their students. Although sitting through lectures and doing homework may not be the most exciting thing in the world, students will always have a lunch to eat, a roof over their head, and a supportive teacher or counselor that they can talk to. Despite the “safe” environment and presence of authoritative figures on school campuses, trouble always finds a way to break out. Simple misbehaving and occasional fights are a common occurrence on most school campuses, however a new breed of troublesome and violent students has hatched. The
Some people believe that guns have no place in schools and teachers focus should only be the education of the students in their room. If that is how the teacher feels they should not carry a gun it is a big responsibility and should only be given to the teachers and staff that want to take on that obligation. Others may worry about children being hurt in the cross fire, bullet proof mats are in the
A school's staff are our children's first and foremost defense against violent attacks. Posting "Gun Free Zone" signs has proven time and time again, that it will not stop a criminal from leaving a trail of victims. Leaving our staff untrained and unarmed ultimatley leaves all those in the school vulnerable, defenseless, and in the position to potentially be harmed, or worse, killed. Arming our teachers, prinicipals, and staff will give our children and all else in the school a chance to fight for their lives, if ever threatned.
Arkansas state law section 5-73-119 (Criminal Offenses. 2016) stated the following concerning allowing the arming of teachers with firearms.
Do you want your kids in school with guns? The debate over arming teachers has been above and beyond what everyone thought how big it would be. Many believe that arming teachers is one of the best things to do about the school shooting situations. But why? That’s just adding another armed person into the situation. And that is why i’m here, to help you understand why this is the wrong decision for this country.
Over the past few years fatal shootings have happened at schools around the country. Teachers have been in these shootings and they could 've stopped the shooter if they were carrying. Arming and training teachers with self defense and handguns has become bigger thing over the years. Arming and training teachers can save students lives in the future if there is a school shooter (Henigan).