I saw this great story today about how a North Texas school district may start allowing teachers and staff to carry concealed weapons in the school when classes start later this month. The policy was devised to help prevent school shootings, and those who wish to carry will need to meet the following requirements:
- have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun,
- be authorized to carry by the district,
- receive training in crisis management and hostile situations, and
- use ammunition designed to minimize the risk of ricochet.
I think this is a fantastic idea, and it sounds as if the school district is giving it the careful thought and consideration that it deserves. Logically, anytime you tell law-abiding citizens that they can’t carry guns in a certain area, you increase the risk of an unchecked shooting spree in that area by someone who obviously has no regard for the law. As David Thweatt, the school district superintendent says:
“When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that’s when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can’t defend themselves? That’s like saying ‘sic ’em’ to a dog,”
I wish that more schools would allow law-abiding, well-trained, responsible teachers and staff to carry concealed weapons if they choose to. And on college campuses, those same rights should extend to students who meet the same criteria. I grew up in a family that uses firearms for hunting, self-defense, and recreational shooting. I also carried a gun daily while I was in the US Navy. If I could carry a concealed weapon legally here in San Francisco, I would. I’m 99% sure that I would never have to use it, but if I did, it would be because I was protecting my life or someone else’s. Alas, I am prevented by law from doing so, which makes no sense to me. Now the only people carrying concealed weapons in San Francisco are criminals. Excellent.
Am I crazy? Should we find another solution to mass shootings at schools and elsewhere? Post your thoughts in the comments.