Posted on 11/20/2018 6:02:44 PM PST by Kaslin
Should we be allowing trained teachers in public schools to be armed in the event of a mass shooting? The debate continues in districts around the country, but in Illinois, at least for the time being, it’s over. The choice was put to a vote at the Illinois Association of School Boards and the idea of arming teachers was rejected. It was, however, at least a relatively close vote.
A proposal to arm Illinois teachers with guns failed Saturday. Supporters of the move say it could keep students safe from school violence, but opponents say there has to be another way.
“I would never in my life carry a weapon into our school system,” Anthony Vincent Clark, an Oak Park and River Forest teacher, said.
The proposal would give school districts the option to allow highly trained teachers and staff to carry guns into schools.
But, there were nearly as many in favor of the idea of arming teachers or at least in favor of the measure so districts can make the decision themselves. This was especially true for school representatives from downstate and rural districts.
One teacher from Peoria was a bit more pragmatic. He noted that the average response time for police getting to their schools was twenty minutes (which honestly sounds quite a bit on the high side unless it’s a very rural area). His data appeared to back up his statements, however, also pointing out that the average school shooting has lasted for twelve minutes. Even if the police are getting there in ten minutes it’s going to be too late for most of the victims.
And once again, they’re not discussing mandatory arming of teachers. Nobody has to carry a firearm if they are uncomfortable with the idea. But for teachers who complete the appropriate training, what’s the major opposition? Chicago’s homicide rate, while not quite as awful as Baltimore’s is still fairly frightening. All of the educators in that meeting seemed to agree that something has to be done. Some were in favor of more metal detectors in schools and even professional security personnel. Those sound like fine ideas as well, but they’re left facing the question of how they plan to pay for all of that.
The government and the school systems in Illinois need to work together on this. A perfect solution may not be available, so you might have to find ways to harden up the schools as potential targets without breaking the bank. If some of the teachers are willing, you should at least be able to allow a pilot program to see how it works.
I know quite a few teachers. I would trust one, maybe two with a gun.
“I know quite a few teachers. I would trust one, maybe two with a gun.”
Given common core, I trust few teachers with teaching.
I my high school years, I don’t know if teachers were armed, but the guys were. Pickup trucks had gun racks in the back window and others had their hunting rifles in cars, and there were no complaints. And pychos were smart enough to never come around to shoot up the school.
No teacher should be forced to be armed, but allowed to carry. Someone on campus - principal, security guard, secretary, etc. - should be trained to use and keep one close at hand.
Most of the commie educated teachers in the Progressive Ghettos should not be trusted to teach children let alone possessing a firearm.
My sister teaches high school science...
I would certainly be okay with her carrying.
Sub. Teacher from the Gaza Strip: A Slingshot.
Sub. Teacher from Silicon Valley: A Paintball Gun (unloaded).
“I would never in my life carry a weapon into our school system,” Anthony Vincent Clark, an Oak Park and River Forest teacher, said.“
First off, Anthony, you’re a pansie from Oak Park.
Second, who the **** are you to decide for everyone else?
Thanks for your input. Now sit down, shut up, and let the grown ups decide for themselves.
L
Rocks. Don’t they have rocks they can throw?? (/sarc)
“I would never in my life carry a weapon into our school system,” Anthony Vincent Clark, an Oak Park and River Forest teacher, said.”
Therein lies the problem.
One of the dangers of permitting teachers to be armed is the very real statistic that one or more of the armed individuals will themselves be unfit and become a perpetrator of mayhem rather than as a fit protector of his/her own existence.
Actually, you carry a weapon into the school system every day. It's called 'curriculum', and you use it against your students.
Who cares what the School Board Assoc says or thinks, the state legislature and executive make laws. Is Ill so screwed up that this makes any sense?
.....One of the dangers of permitting teachers to be armed is the very real statistic that one or more of the armed individuals will themselves be unfit and become a perpetrator of mayhem rather than as a fit protector of his/her own existence. ......
Permitting armed teachers has nothing to do with a teacher becoming a school shooter/killer. One so determined will come armed, with or with out permission. Those who follow the rules will be unarmed and defenseless.
I am not a fan of arming teachers. In the south florida attack we saw that even the cops arent able to protect. I think the solution is going to have to come with changes to the rules concerning mental health commitments.
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