Understandably, the U.S. is stumped over how to prevent any more mass shootings. The debate over gun control continues, yet for once congress is listening. Survivors of the Parkland shooting as well as students from other high schools afraid of being next have been conducting protests. They are demanding change, and kudos to them. Ideas on how to prevent another tragedy have been throw around; however, one suggestion is making headlines, as it goes against everything the kids are fighting for, and could lead to serious repercussions. Some people believe bringing more guns into the equation is the solution. It has been suggested to train and arm teachers. This idea is by far the most potentially disastrous “solution.”
It is unbelievably hypocritical to specify that a teacher must undergo training to be given access to gun in the classroom, yet inexperienced civilians can still purchase a weapon. Teachers are hardly paid enough as is; often, they purchase their own classroom supplies. Many schools struggle to find the funding to even keep their arts programs alive. Yet, apparently, the ability to operate a firearm would then make teachers worthy of a raise. It is unclear where the money would come from. Giving teachers access to a gun is a liability waiting to happen. One stray bullet would invalidate this argument entirely. There are so many scenarios which could go terribly wrong. Lives should not be in the hands of educators, only minds.
There was an armed guard at the Parkland shooting who did not go in. The officer cowered outside the building until the shooting was over. This man signed up for these kinds of situations as his career, and he could not handle the pressure. Why is a Home Ec teacher expected to possess any more bravery? If Scot Peterson could not do his job, why would Mrs. Pillsbury be able to?
Schools are not the only places in which shooting have occurred. Should we provide movie theater ticket takers with training and weaponry? What about priests? Adding more guns into the equation is simply a recipe for disaster.