Armed Teachers, Warning Signs Are One School’s Safety Plan For New Year

Armed teachers and warning signs are the way that one north Texas school decided to get ready for the new school year.

Fueled by horrific school shootings like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012, the Argyle Independent School District posted a sign warning potential shooters of the safety measure.

“Attention,” the sign read. “Please be aware that the staff at Argyle ISD are armed and may use whatever force is necessary to protect our students.”

The Washington Post reports that “all teachers who are given a gun must obtain a license to carry it, pass a psychological evaluation and get training in how to use the weapon.”

Before you slough this move off as being something that Texans do, keep in mind that the Lone Star State is just one of 20 that have enacted laws allowing adults to carry licensed firearms into schools.

Missouri is expected to soon join the throng as well, even though Democratic governor Jay Nixon, who has been dealing with his own troubles in Ferguson, Missouri, vetoed legislation allowing it.

Lawmakers are expected to override that veto. Nevertheless, Nixon continues to voice his disapproval, stating that armed teachers “will not make our schools safer.”

“I have supported and will continue to support the use of duly authorized law enforcement officers employed as school resource officers, but I cannot condone putting firearms in the hands of educators who should be focused on teaching our kids,” Nixon said shortly after issuing the veto.

Supporters of arming teachers note that guns will not just be handed out willy nilly to anyone who wants one. For the most part, the laws in circulation have required firearm safety training, and they do not attempt to force a gun into the hand of educators who object.

Nevertheless, opponents take issue with the fact that educators are not law enforcement personnel, and it cannot be assumed that all will adapt to the training with the same skill and coherency.

What both sides agree on, however, is that there aren’t enough protections for students these days.

It’s too easy to get in and out of a school with virtually any weapon of choice, and as long as weak-minded people want to lash out at the world, they will continue to pick the easiest possible target.

What do you think, readers? Does the Argyle ISD have the right idea with their sign, and should armed teachers become a constant presence in schools across the country?