Should Teachers Be Given Guns

Imagine having to always fear for your life and remain cautious on school ground when interfering with teachers out of sheer terror of angering them or pushing the wrong buttons. Imagine knowing these, once nurturing, figures lugging around steel machines that could instantly take the life of any being. As for the parents, imagine having to send your kids away to what is supposed to be a “safe” environment. This is what comes along with allowing teachers the right to bear arms, as president Trump declares would be a “great” idea (Newsweek).

Giving teachers guns is flat out outrageous. Schools are supposed to a place of learning and development; tainting schools with these steel weapons will not encourage that in any way, shape, or form. Teachers should not be enforced to bear arms in school as there would be constant fear, students might get ahold of them, and it would take a chunk out of the school’s savings. Students should not have to have another reason to dread coming to school. Legalizing the carrying of weapons by teachers would only add to the already proliferating stress and anxiety of so many students.

A study in 1967 proves that “simply seeing a gun can increase aggression,” (Berkowitz and LePage). In the experiment, participants seated at a table with guns placed on them expressed higher levels of aggression than those participants seated at an empty table. Parents are also affected knowing that they are sending away their dear children to a gun infested building. Schools, like sanctuaries, should be protected from violence and “focused on teaching and learning,” (Cram). A political cartoon, illustrated by Nate Beeler, portrays a frightened class as a teacher has them at gunpoint to get them to answer a question. Teachers can easily abuse their power with their firearms. Beeler successfully exhibits how it would feel to be a student knowing the amount of power a teacher has over them; it is indeed unsettling.

It is well known that young children will get their hands on anything in sight. After all, kids will be kids. If the bill for teachers to bear arms does pass, there will definately be a chance of students getting ahold of the “concealed” weapons, as they usually get their hands on practically everything. Now I say “concealed” for the sole reason that teachers are humans and make mistakes. There will be instances that a teacher might accidentally leave their weapon in plain sight which could lead to further injury. In 2009, a study conducted that investigated the link between the possession of a gun and assaults from guns themselves proved that “individuals in possession of a gun were 4. 46 (P <. 05) times more likely to be shot in an assault than those not in possession,” (Branas, Richmond, et al).

This also further proves that even when armed with guns, we are still not guaranteed protection. Other than safety hazards, supplying all the teachers and staff with guns will take a huge chunk out of schools’ budgets. Money spent on weapons could be used for other school programs or fundings for the betterment of students, teachers, and facilities. Even if it were not the schools funding the weapons, the money and resources to support it is simply scarce according to David Hogg, survivor of the school shooting in Florida. Arming only 20 percent of teachers would require a “minimum of $251 million and exceed $1 billion at most,” (Washington Post). It just is not a reasonable and realistic proposal. In fact, a regular pistol could range “anywhere from $500 to $1,200,” (Blad, Superville, et al). Now the reasons as to why teachers should bear arms and those who support can come from good intentions as many want to act fast and protect the students and staff, but this route is not going to work out in the long run. Some may argue that someone other than law enforcement should be able to protect the school or stop a shooter in dire times where emergency rescuers do not show up at the scene on time. It is a logical reason, however, there are more practical and safer ways to protect the school. For one schools can practice better safety drills.

Also, when police show up, they will be confused as to who is actually the shooter especially since all the teachers and staff would be carrying weapons. Others will stand by the idea that teachers will go through extensive training before they can even be given firearms. Now, yes of course all teacher would go through training but not everyone is mentally able to carry a weapon. Teachers already have so much on their hands, adding special training onto their job requirement is physically and mentally draining, as they did not initially sign up for something like this. Teachers also do not get paid enough for what they already do as hard working teachers. Schools are a major factor in almost everyone’s development and growth. It is the place where everyone starts in life and transforms into who they are. Expecting students and teachers to try to work and learn in an environment infested with guns is absolutely insane. If teachers and staff were to bear arms on schoolground, there would be an overwhelming amount of students with fear and anxiety, students may get ahold of them, supplying the guns for all the staff would drain tons of money from schools, and most teachers would feel uncomfortable and even oppose carrying a weapon. The children are the future. If we want to better their lives and even the world, it starts with school and the environment they are surrounded with.