The law to allow teachers to volunteer for the guardian program has been passed and is expected to be signed by the governor into law. That means exactly nothing. Not a single school district will approve allowing teachers to be armed.
I became a teacher after I retired from over 20 years as a firefighter and paramedic, where I spent part of my career working with the SWAT team. I spent years as an IDPA competitor, and I am a military veteran. I have carried a concealed weapon for more than 25 years. A permit that has allowed me to carry a weapon into McDonald's, Disney, public parks, streets and sidewalks. Not once have I used that weapon in a threatening or illegal manner. I have not even had a traffic ticket in more than a decade.
I have spent more than 30 years wearing one uniform or another, defending the people who could not defend themselves, saving lives, and helping others. In that time, I have had dozens of background checks for security clearances, teaching, firefighting, and paramedic licenses, as well as for concealed weapons permits. Again and again over the past three decades, I have proven my character, my devotion, and my trustworthiness.
I would, if necessary, lay down my life in defense of the children that have been placed in my care. Even in Kindergarten. Possibly YOUR children, if you are reading this.
Except the politicians have declared that I am not permitted to do so, because they don't trust me. So instead, I must sit in the dark, unarmed, unable to protect those children, hiding and waiting for the lunch lady to come rescue us while the deputy takes cover outside.
Two years ago: ONLY the SRO may be armed.
ReplyDeleteLast year: The SRO may be armed and some staff can be if the School Board approves; BUT NOT TEACHERS!
This year: OK, teachers can be armed if the board approves.
That there is how incrementalism works.
I know we're not used to seeing it creeping in our direction instead of against us so it's hard to recognize.