Debate about arming teachers comes to San Marcos

By Christopher Green

Chg25@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas –  The most recent school shooting at Parkland, Florida has sparked a nationwide debate about whether or not to arm teachers with handguns in grades K-12.

President Donald Trump and other groups have advocated to arm teachers with handguns, while some remain opposed.

A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of U.S. adults 55% would oppose allowing teachers and officials to carry guns in K-12 schools, including 36% who said they would strongly oppose such a proposal.

 

Kelly Gourlock
Photo by: Sataurus Jackson

Kelly Gourlock, a student at Texas State majoring in Sociology, said it’s a bad idea to arm teachers.

“I think it’s a horrible idea because teachers are not police officers or military officers, they’re teachers. They’re not trained to do it, and they should be more worried about the students than whether their gun is safely stored,” said Gourlock.

According to a CNN poll seven out of ten people favor tighter gun laws.

Joe Pieczynski
Photo by: Cole Sanchez

Joe Pieczynski, who is majoring in business administration, does not favor stricter gun laws. He said it could help to arm teachers.

“I think that if it’s needed as a safety measure and the teachers are properly trained then I’m not against it,” said Pieczynski.

Shannon Fitzpatrick, attorney for students at Texas State, said she opposes arming teachers because of a lack of training.

Shannon Fitzpatrick
Photo by: Christopher Green

“Most teachers are not prepared to do that, it’s not their mindset, which is what makes them good school teachers. Secondly, professionals such as the police force trains on a regular basis for emergency situations. The arming of our teachers is done with virtually no training other than shooting at a target once a year maybe and depending on the state. That’s a very different situation from an active shooter when someone is shooting at you or children,” said Fitzpatrick.

Daniel Verasa
Photo by: Tierra Cole

Daniel Verasa, a student majoring in education, said he favors both sides of the argument.

“I feel like everyone has their own opinions, when it comes to me I really can’t judge because I can lead toward any side easily, just depends on the circumstances,” said Verasa.

Daniel Leboeuf
Photo by: Carlos Mercado

A research article done by the Heritage Foundation found that arming teachers may be a way to deter threats from a mass shooter.

Daniel Leboeuf, who is majoring in exercise and sports science, believes in arming teachers for protection.

“Because of all the terror and violence going on in schools, I do believe teachers should be armed. They should use any means necessary to protect themselves and the students,” said Lebeouf.

Derek Carter
Photo by: Alyssa Pierce

Derek Carter, a student majoring in entrepreneurship, said he believes in arming teachers as well as stricter gun laws.

“It’s a touchy subject to be honest. A part of me feels like it’s necessary and also a part of me feels like there should be gun restrictions at the same time,” said Carter.