Draft – Should Teachers Carry Guns?
School shootings; a massive problem that has become worse as years progress. In March of 2018, just 21 weeks into the year, there have been 23 school shootings. Because of this, students have been going to class afraid. School districts have been trying to find a solution, and there has even been talk of teachers carrying guns on school grounds. Teachers should not carry guns on school grounds because it is unsafe, anything can go wrong, and it is not a solution.
“Armed teachers in classrooms are no longer a reality reserved for states like Texas and Indiana, now the norm has reached at least one California school district. California’s Kingsburg school board…voted…to allow school staff members to carry guns on school grounds.” (Sacramento Bee, April 13, 2016) It is unbelievable that this is happening. Bringing guns on campus is not the answer to a gun problem in schools. This is not a situation where you can fight fire with fire. Our so-called solution to this violence problem cannot mean more violence. The point is to make our schools safer.
I would not feel safe if my teacher was carrying a firearm on their person. Especially when anything can go wrong. A student who wants to harm others could get the gun and shoot. Even if it is kept under lock and key. If an emergency happens and they take it out, it could be knocked out of their hands, it could accidentally go off, it could even end up in the hands of the shooter or make them even angrier. There are so many things that could go wrong. A student who has experienced trauma of a violent event could react badly; they may have PTSD or a fear of guns. Not seeing the gun, just knowing it’s there could bring back traumatic memories. It is not safer, nor a solution.
Since it is unsafe, anything can go wrong, and the fact that it will simply not solve the problem, teachers and staff should not carry guns on school grounds. School shootings continue to be a problem, and we need to fix that but not by using weapons in a learning environment. We need a different approach, we can use peace and nonviolence. Instead, we can change laws, speak out, and really make a difference.