Florida Is Calling For More Armed Teachers
In response to last year’s mass shooting at a Parkland high school, more Florida classroom teachers could carry guns in school under a bill that was passed Wednesday, May 1 by state lawmakers.
The Republican-led House voted 65-47 to send the bill to GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it. Despite protests from educators and students, the controversial measure expands an existing school “guardian” program to allow any teacher to volunteer to carry a weapon.
Rep. Chuck Brannan, R-Macclenny, said that armed staffs will serve as a powerful deterrent for anyone thinking of harming students in the future.
Although the bill appears likely to be signed into law, local school boards are the ones who can authorize the arming of teachers. Additionally, teachers would have to complete at least 144 hours of training and pass a psychological evaluation.
However, school boards representing some of the state’s largest counties — including Broward, Palm Beach, and Orange — oppose the idea. Even students, including some from Stoneman Douglas, protested in Tallahassee in an effort to urge lawmakers to not authorize the arming of teachers.
“Teachers need to teach,” Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie told the Sun Sentinel. “We need to create a more nurturing, loving environment in a school so people don’t grow up to become monsters. … We are creating a police state. It is wrong.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
