Guns in Schools
In a few weeks, schools and universities will be in session. It will be the beginning of school routines and schedules that will be the focus of students’ attention. It is also a time for concern for many parents about basic school safety. There have been far too many school shootings for parents and students to believe that these are rare, isolated incidents. Some university students want to be armed as a means of basic self defense and as a deterrent to further violence.
A Texas school district is allowing teachers to carry firearms:
“HARROLD, Texas (AP) — A tiny Texas school district will allow teachers and staff members to carry concealed firearms to protect against school shootings, provided the gun-toting employees follow certain requirements.
…”When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that’s when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can’t defend themselves? That’s like saying ’sic ‘em’ to a dog,” Thweatt said in a story published Friday on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Web site.”
link: Texas district will let teachers carry guns
Both sides of the debate have valid points. Those opposing weapons on school grounds believe that alternatives have not been exhausted and that this further promotes a gun culture. Others believe that, without an adequate, immediate means of self defense, students and teachers are helpless.
The Harrold Independent School District has moved this issue beyond debate. There will be concealed weapons on campus. It is a policy that other school districts and educational facilities will follow. No matter what side of the argument one favours, it is readily apparent that the care-free days of youth disappear at a much earlier age. And that is sad.
Catherine Forsythe
Tags: debate, guns, schools, security, teachers
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August 16th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Finally! It always amazes me how when people walk into a bank or a jewelry store and see a highly untrained security guard making $6 an hour carrying a gun they don’t take a second look but to have armed teachers in our schools is unthinkable! Are our children worth far far less than what those places contain? It makes me so sick hearing how shooters like in Virginia Tech shooter could take their time reloading to kill dozens more because the school required the students to be defenseless! It is unacceptable and time that changed!