Increasing school security: San Marcos residents believe strongly in protecting schools

By Madison Diaz
madisondiaz12@gmail.com

SAN MARCOS, Texas — With the influx of school shooting threats happening in the United States, many residents of San Marcos felt that school security should be increased, whether they agreed with arming teachers or not.

The Parkland, Florida shooting took place over a month ago in what would be remembered as one of the top 10 deadliest mass shooting in modern history. All over the nation, people have responded to this tragedy and have looked for a solution that will make parents, students and citizens feel more comfortable about school safety.

Jamie Bouzard
Taken by: Shelley Keller

In San Marcos, many residents had strong opinions about arming teachers K-12 and offered alternative solutions. These solutions mirror what seven in 10 Americans believe in the wake of Parkland shooting. Most San Marcos citizens agreed increasing security would make schools much safer and aide in the protection of children in the event of another possible shooting.

Jamie Bouzard, Director of Christ Chapel at Texas State University, was nationally ranked for some time on the rifle team in his adolescent years. He said decent security procedures at school would be more beneficial as teachers have enough on their plate without adding extra responsibilities.

“That is the dumbest damn idea that I’ve ever heard,” Bouzard said. “Let trained professionals handle that kind of work.”

Gabriel Newton
Taken by: O'Bryant Muralles

Gabriel Newton, a sophomore at San Marcos High School, was also familiar with guns as he has shot a few rounds in the past. He said he likes guns, but he doesn’t support them being everywhere and said arming teachers wouldn’t be a good idea because minorities are more likely be afraid of coming to school.

“I think a lot of minorities would be scared in class if they saw a teacher walk by with a gun on his or her hip,” Newton said. “I would be a little nervous, and I think students would not want to come to school… just put more cops on campus.”

Jennifer Lones
Taken by: Brianna Fisher

Jennifer Lones, general studies major and mother of two, said guns in her children’s school would make her feel anxious because one can never know someone’s mental state. For increasing safety in schools, Lones said more security or police officers with metal detectors at every entry point would be beneficial.

“I believe there are many measures that can be taken,” Lones said. “Sadly, the measures make it to where our schools resemble prisons rather than a happy, carefree place.”

Casey Sigerman
Taken by: Casey Sigerman

Casey Sigerman, a high school English teacher, said arming teachers would be the worst idea ever. She said there have already been accidents where armed teachers have been allowed, including the gun-trained teacher in California who accidentally injured a student. Sigerman said increasing security at school would be a better option and make everyone more comfortable.

“Metal detectors and more security guards and things like that,” Sigerman said. “I don’t know if it would help if something was ongoing, but it might prevent people from attempting.”

Morgan Glenn
Taken by: Shelley Keller

According to Pew Research, opinions for or against arming teachers is roughly equal nationally. Although some residents thought arming teachers would be a bad idea, others agreed it could be helpful along with increasing security on school campuses. They believe arming teachers could protect future children in another possible attack.

Morgan Glenn, a communication disorders major, grew up around guns and is familiar with them. She said arming teachers could be beneficial because they would be able to protect children in a future shooting event. For teachers to be armed, Glenn said there should be extra training and drills involved.

“I think there should be more protective drills,” Glenn said. “I feel like it should be included in their seminars and continuing education they already do.”

Jacob Seabolt
Taken by: Hallie Colbert and Angelina Cruz

Jacob Seabolt, criminal justice major, said there shouldn’t be any gun control at all. He said if teachers want to walk around with any gun they want, they should.

“It’s a second amendment right and it’s the government intrusion to make any rule otherwise,” Seabolt said.

Becky Dragseth
Taken by: Ben Planton and Prince Imo

Becky Dragseth, a business major, is concerned for the schools’ ability to keep students safe. She said arming teachers would be a good idea as long as precautions are taken.

“There definitely needs to be extensive training to every person in the school that will be armed,” Dragseth said. “If anybody is in charge of children, whether that be a babysitter, a teacher or sending a kid to a friend’s house; those people should be able to protect those children. I believe that it is an adult’s job to protect children in any situation.”