Concealed Carry vs. Banning Guns: Two Opposite Solutions to the Same Terrible Problem

© Photo Houston Press

An increasing number of states have allowed teachers to carry concealed guns on the grounds of K-12 schools. In fact, more than half of the US states allow concealed carry on school campuses. Tennessee has recently become part of this growing number, with the Tennessee state senate passing a controversial bill to allow this.

Many of these laws have become more common as the number of school shootings rises. Parents and lawmakers have both become concerned with the amount of children being killed and harmed in school shootings. However, solutions to this problem are on opposite sides of the fence.

A Hicksville sign allowing individuals the right to bear arms in learning environments. © NPR

Most states that allow concealed carry on school grounds have a Republican-led Legislative branch. Many Republicans have said that arming teachers can protect kids and fortify the school during a shooting. They have stressed the importance of empowering schools to have a swift reaction to an active shooter.

“It’s really important that we maintain the availability [of guns] for individuals who are the good guys who are trying to protect and defend their lives and the lives of others to be able to carry,” said Republican Utah Representative Karianne Lisonbee. “I don’t think it’s helpful to take guns away from everybody or to try to implement extreme gun control measures.”

Another school area prohibits concealed carry in schools. © NPR

Meanwhile, the Democratic party has taken a different approach. They have pushed for an increased amount of background checks, the banning of AR-15s and assault weapons, and for responsible gun ownership. Additionally, they support an increased amount of training for law enforcement officers.

“There is very, very little to next to no data that supports having firearms within schools are going to make those buildings safer,” said Joseph Heinze, who is an associate professor of public health at the University of Michigan.

An anonymous 8th grade student describes the dangers of concealed carry, saying, "this can be used to harm students. The teachers can accidentally shoot the students. Students may [be able to] have access to the firearm."

Students and a teacher practicing school lockdown procedure. © ADDitude

Another student, Adya Sapaurn, opposed the suggestion of ruling them out entirely. "I think there should be guns in a school property for obvious safety reasons, but teachers shouldn't necessarily have them in their classrooms. Like a good idea would be many easily accessible places that all teachers and staff can access were there's guns, in case there's a situation."

However, both parties can agree that schools need an increased amount of security in order to protect kids from school shootings. The debate around school shootings has helped fuel the greater debate over gun rights in America. Recent revelations have led to widespread concern for the safety of children at school, and multiple organizations are working towards creating a better future for the next generation.

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Citations

Loo, Nancy , and Evan Lambert. “Both Republicans, Democrats Want More

School Security.” NewsNation, 15 May 2023,

www.newsnationnow.com/politics/republicans-democrats-more-school

-security/.

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