Guns in the Schools

by David Safier

Should we allow people with weapons permits to carry guns in schools? Let’s take a look at two very different scenarios:

Two people bring their guns to work with them: Senator Karen Johnson, one of the legislators behind the guns-in-schools bill, and Ms. Johnson, a high school teacher.

Senator Johnson sits in her office in the stately Senate Building, her gun in her purse. She holds court with staff, constituents and other legislators. Later, while the Senate is in session, she has her purse at her side, gun at the ready. If a crazed gunman pulls out a weapon, she’s ready to act.

Ms. Johnson sits in her classroom in a quiet moment before first period begins. Her gun is in her purse. A group of students come in to talk with her. Does she clutch her purse in her lap, or is it out of her possession when she is distracted by one student – she might even leave her desk for a minute while they talk– giving the others a chance to go through her purse?

During first period, Ms. Johnson walks around the room, talking with students and helping them with their work. Does she remember to sling her purse over her shoulder every time she leaves her desk, or does it sit unguarded, tempting a student who might want that gun?

Ms. Johnson spends the day with 35 students per class and 20 different thoughts racing through her head. She can’t stay focused on that gun period after period, day after day. She could wear it 8 hours a day, every day of the school year, but that’s not likely.

Maybe she’s careful, and no one steals her gun. If her worst nightmare happens – someone bursts through the door and starts shooting her students — will Ms. Johnson have the time and presence of mind to grab her gun, aim at the assailant and shoot without harming any of her students, assuming she is not shot before she can act?

Teachers with guns? The thought makes me shudder.

Students with guns? I don’t even want to go there.