School shootings always spark a conversation about armed teachers in classrooms. Some believe that if teachers had guns with them in the classroom, then school shootings could be prevented, or at least the carnage could be reduced. But are armed teachers in the classroom a realistic way to eliminate or reduce the casualties of school shootings?
There are different types of gun owners and different types of Americans who strongly support the 2nd Amendment. There are the gun fanatics: those who believe that if every American, including teachers, had guns, then crime would not be a problem in America, and they will accept no restrictions on who can buy or own a gun Then there are the responsible gun owners who own guns legally, and take time to learn and practice gun safety, and are willing to accept some restrictions.
The idea of pistol-packin’ teachers in the classroom may make sense on paper, but the reality of armed teachers is not a simple solution to a big problem.
A Republican lawmaker in Idaho is pushing a bill that would allow public school teachers and staff to be armed in the classroom and on school grounds. HB 415 is backed by the NRA, and State Rep. Edward Hill says, “You have to answer violence with violence.” You can’t sit back and passively hope it’s going to be OK. This allows people to step up and defend.”