A new report by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund concludes that arming teachers does not deter school shootings or reduce the harm once gun violence erupts. Instead, the study finds that introducing more firearms into schools poses new dangers for students and staff while offering no measurable safety benefit.
Researchers reviewed peer-reviewed studies, analyzed state laws, and surveyed more than 1,100 volunteers from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action. They also examined policies in Iowa, Oregon, and Tennessee, where some districts have considered or rejected arming educators. Across the board, the report found that when districts are given the option, many choose not to arm teachers at all.
“Our nation has been ravaged by dozens of school shootings this year, and instead of taking basic steps to keep our children safe, some leaders are pushing to put more guns in classrooms,” said Sonali Rajan, senior director of research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “Our report confirms that arming teachers doesn’t prevent violence. It adds risks, drains resources, and traumatizes students.”…