Will Arming Teachers Become More Common?

After a series of mass shootings, including the recent massacre at a school in Uvalde, Texas, at least some districts are considering policy allowing educators to carry concealed firearms on campus. The idea of arming teachers has been the subject of contentious debate when discussing ways to deal with these violent attacks.

Proponents of the idea believe it would increase the likelihood that a would-be mass shooter can be stopped. They argue that relying on police is not always a viable strategy. As more details emerge about the Uvalde incident, the failure of law enforcement to act against the gunman has bolstered this argument. On the other hand, those opposing the idea believe it would not make kids any safer. Instead, they prefer passing more laws restricting the carrying of firearms. Public opinion on the matter is mixed.

Is Arming Teachers the Way to Go?

The Mississippi Board of Education voted recently to alter a 1990 policy that prevented anyone other than police officers from carrying guns in public schools. The decision removed this language, noting that it contradicted the state’s enhanced concealed carry law passed in 2011. The board also said the policy “predates any notable school shootings.” For now, the change is temporary and is up for a 25-day period in which the public can make comments on the proposed measure.

“A school district may, in its discretion, prohibit or allow its employees who hold enhanced conceal carry licenses to possess weapons at the school,” said Jean Cook, director of communication for the Mississippi Department of Education. The school board will take up the matter after the public comment period ends. It could make the policy permanent at that point, but further changes are possible, in which case the updated version could face another 25-day commenting period.

In Texas, school districts may already allow teachers to carry guns on campus. The Harrold Independent School District has decided to institute such a policy in the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting. NPR reported:

“The scenario they fear is a gunman pulling off [the] busy U.S. 287 [highway]. The century-old schoolhouse is the most prominent building in town. The nearest sheriff’s deputy is 20 minutes away — an hour away if a freight train on the Burlington Northern tracks happens to block the roads into town.”

Cody Patton, superintendent of Harrold schools, insisted that arming teachers is necessary to protect the town’s children. “Our situation is a lot different,” he told NPR. “I know some of your bigger schools and a lot of the people are against it. But they’re not in our situation. We are a rural school in the middle of nowhere.”

“We’re so small you can’t really afford to pay for your security officers that are there on campus to deal with anything and everything,” Patton added.

The debate over arming teachers could become more prevalent as gun control continues to be an issue – especially amid rising violent crime rates. With mass shootings gaining more attention it would not be surprising to see more districts allowing educators to carry concealed firearms – especially in rural areas like Harrold.

Additional security measures such as metal detectors and armed guards on campus might also become more widespread than they have in the past. Uvalde is a glaring example of what can happen when schools rely solely on the response from law enforcement. Now, it appears people are taking notice. The question is: Will this new trend catch on with other public schools or will America just have more of the same until the next tragedy?

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