Recently in the wake of the Parkland shooting, alot of debate has been sprouting up over arming teachers in public schools. Some conservatives including president Donald Trump have argued in favor of arming teachers while others like Senator Bernie Sanders have denounced this idea. Below i have presented the arguments for and against arming teachers and I hope that you can come to your own conclusion.
Proponents of arming teachers claim that armed teachers could protect students from potential shooters. A teacher trained to use firearms could potentially neutralize a threat to their classroom, according to proponents of arming teachers. At the Parkland High School for instance, some claim that armed teachers could have shot the attacker when armed guards failed to stop him.
Arming teachers also in effect could 'scare' attackers away from shooting schools according to Trump who considers 'Gun Free Schools' as "magnets for bad people".
People who wish to arm teachers also note the 2nd amendment and claim that teachers should be able to carry firearms in their classrooms.
Those against arming teachers note the expense of arming teachers and training them to use firearms effectively. According to some economists this measure would cost tens of millions of dollars. This is an expensive measure especially considering how rare school shootings are and countless other things that the school system should be spending money on. Schools should focus on buying books, supplies, technology and increasing teacher salaries rather than buying guns, according to those opposed to arming teachers.
Another argument against arming teachers is that there is a risk that armed teachers may pose a threat to their students. In one recent event, a Georgia high school teacher discharged a firearm in his classroom putting all the students in the classroom at risk. Those who argue against studying teachers claim that armed teachers could put their whole classroom and even school at risk.
In my opinion, arming teachers is very expensive and puts students at risk. Instead of focusing on arming teachers, schools should increase teachers' salary and invest into technology and architecture. To prevent school shootings, legislation should be passed to make it more difficult for those with violent history or mental health issues to purchase firearms. But that's just my opinion.
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