Arming teachers in schools K-12 to prevent mass shootings is a popular opinion in reaction to Parkland Shooting

By Katie Irwin

Kdi7@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas — After the devastating mass shooting last month at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that took 17 lives, the gun control debate is at an all-time high. One of the main arguments for preventing mass shootings in schools K-12, is to arm the teachers.

In the wake of the March for Our Lives last week, the San Marcos community reacts to the gun control debate and express what they know about the possible solution of arming teachers in schools.

Micah Calton

Photo by Prince Imo

Micah Calton, a 21-year-old healthcare administration major, said guns should not be allowed anywhere and that they are extremely dangerous. He said teachers should not be armed and the only people that should be legally armed is the military.

“In my opinion, that’s repulsive to even imagine! The only place on Earth I think you should find a weapon such as a firearm, should be in combat, during war, and nowhere else. Guns are for emergency protection and used to execute death,” said Calton.

Some people agree that teachers should be armed in schools K-12 because it could help if there ever is an active shooter. Some people disagree and believe it only decreases the safety of the students and faculty.

Chloe Butler

Photo by Corey Hammonds

Chloe Butler, a 20-year-old special education major and psychology minor, said guns in schools is questionable and could be a difficult or touchy subject, but she believes it could be a safe solution.

“Personally, my thoughts about guns in schools is that they could possibly be a good alternative for protection for students and faculty,” said Butler.

Leela Rao

Photo by Camelia Juarez

Leela Rao, 21-year-old majoring in special education and Spanish, said she was student teaching when the Parkland shooting occurred. She said she wouldn’t know what to do in a situation like that as a teacher, and she is against arming school faculty.

“Personally, it’s really scary. Being a student teacher, I know the basis, but it’s really scary knowing that this is something that can happen in a school and that it’s happening so frequently. My personal philosophy is that the less guns the better, so I’m all for gun control,” said Rao.

Most people in the U.S. are for gun control in result to the Parkland shooting, but some remain in favor of no change in gun laws.

Nyssa Norman

Photo by Hallie Colbert

Nyssa Norman, a 17-year-old local high school student, said that she thinks a good solution for diminishing gun violence in schools is simple – gun control.

“Don’t distribute them [guns] to people who aren’t capable of owning one. Conduct psychological tests, deeper background checks and a longer waiting period. Restrict anyone who’s had domestic violence charges,” said Norman.

Jacob Seabolt

Photo by Hallie Colbert

Jacob Seabolt, a criminal justice major, said he thinks there shouldn’t be any gun control and that the Second Amendment is a right.

“I think people should be able to have any kind of gun that they want. I think that it's a government intrusion to make any rule otherwise,” said Seabolt.

Jamie Bouzard

Photo by Shelley Kellar

Jamie Bouzard, the Director of Christ Chapel at Texas State, said he prefers the way Australia and Canada handle gun control where firearms are strictly controlled.

“I think our gun laws are absolutely ridiculous. They are far too generous in terms of allowing people access to firearms. Turns out that it’s not some sort of massive government conspiracy, but indeed a way to keep people from dying at the incredible rate in which they die in this country,” said Bouzard.

Read more about gun control, arming teachers in schools and the March for Our Lives here.