After 31 mass shootings just in 2017, some schools are saying enough is enough. In particular, one school: Florida Christian School is now offering bullet proof panels. Parents can now purchase these panels from the school and put them into their child’s backpack. Like any other gun related discussion, this decision has brought with it controversy.
Some argue that inputting a bullet proof panel into a student’s backpack is not the solution and that real, impactful solutions should be coming from gun control policies. However, in the wake of so many unfortunate mass shootings, the school claims they’d much rather be safe than sorry. And although the school itself has never had any kind of shooting, a school official, George Gulla, released the following statement: “It’s just a tool…I’d rather be prepared for the worst than be stuck after saying Wow, I wish we would’ve done that” and “We thought, yeah, let’s offer it to anyone who wants it. It’s not required. But if it gives you extra peace of mind…” According to Applied Fiber Concepts, the company selling the bullet proof panels, the panels weigh less than one pound and can withstand bullets from a .44 Magnum and a .357 SIG.
The real issue lies in the fact that gun related mass killings have become so common, that something like bullet-proof panels in children backpacks may become a norm.
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