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Shielding Futures: Safeguarding Every Texas Child in Our Schools Kiani J Zamaniego South Texas College ENGL 1301: Composition 1 David Moyle December 5
th
, 2023
Shielding Futures: Safeguarding Every Texas Child in Our Schools Over the years, we have seen a rise in school shootings across America. As we have seen this rise in attacks against schools across America, we have also seen the issue become a highly debated topic. With convincing arguments on both sides. On one hand, the concept of arming teachers seems crucial for the sole purpose of school safety. Supporters of arming teachers claim that it can increase school security overall and add additional means of defense against violent attacks. On the other hand, opponents against arming believe that introducing firearms into the classroom setting would pose more risk. Lindsey (2022) claims that "Providing school personnel with guns will not make our students safe" (para.1). While Introducing firearms in the classroom may do more harm than good. I disagree with Lindsey's’ view on school personnel should be allowed to carry firearms because Self-defense teachers need to be able to defend themselves in the classroom. Response time is quicker when teachers can react faster it would also provide a layer of Deterrence. Advocates of arming teachers claim that in the event of a school shooting or violent threat, armed teachers could act as the first line of defense, potentially minimizing the threats posed by school attacks. They argue that teachers, who are often the closest form of protection to students during a crisis, could utilize firearms to protect themselves and their students, potentially saving lives in life-threating situations. Furthermore, supporters argue that providing teachers with firearms could empower teachers to take an active role in protecting their students and themselves. This could potentially create a sense of security and readiness in the face of real-
life danger, creating a safer learning environment for students across the United States. By having teachers participate in proper training and certification, armed teachers could be equipped to respond effectively in high-stress situations, potentially preventing violent incidents. Arming
teachers as a means of allowing for a faster response time in the event of a threat. The argument in favor of arming teachers revolves around the idea that having trained and armed teachers on-
site could minimize the impact of an active shooter situation by allowing for a fast and exceptionally good response. In situations where law enforcement may not be immediately available, armed teachers could act as the first line of defense, to neutralize the threat and protect students' staff, and themselves. This strategical approach to self-defense could make a critical difference in the outcome of a violent incident, potentially saving lives by quickly addressing the threat. Furthermore, advocates of arming teachers emphasize the importance of empowering educators to protect themselves and their students in the face of danger. Schools can maximize their overall readiness in an emergency by equipping teachers with the means to protect themselves and their students in response to a violent threat. This empowerment allows educators to take immediate action to address a threat, potentially minimizing casualties and preventing further harm. One of the primary arguments supporting arming teachers is the potential deterrent effect it may have on potential assailants. Arming educators is based on the idea that armed personnel in schools could intimidate individuals with dangerous intent from targeting educational institutions, therefore enhancing overall security, and deterring potential attackers. The knowledge that educators are trained and equipped to respond to a threat with deadly force could act as a deterrent, potentially dissuading individuals from attempting to carry out acts of violence in schools. This preventative concept of arming teachers is a proactive measure to enhance school security and reduce the possibility of violent incidents and portray a strong and visible defense against potential threats. The presence of armed educators could send a strong message that schools are prepared to protect their students and staff, potentially stopping individuals in
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their tracks who may be considering targeting schools. It is important to note that any policy regarding arming teachers should be mandated by comprehensive training and stringent safety protocols to ensure responsible firearm use. Educators who volunteer to carry firearms should undergo strict training in marksmanship, de-escalation techniques, and crisis management to effectively handle high-stress situations. Also, thorough background checks and mental health evaluations should be implemented to screen individuals entrusted with this responsibility. Overall, the concept of arming teachers as a deterrent against potential threats is a sensible reason that warrants careful consideration. One of the most pressing concerns associated with the presence of firearms in schools is the heightened risk of accidental shootings. Even with strictest safety protocols and training, the introduction of weapons increases the possibility of accidental discharge, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. The loaded firearms close to students and educators introduce a constant and unnecessary risk that could result in harm. In addition to accidental shootings, the mishandling of weapons by individuals who are not adequately trained in firearms poses a safety risk. The potential for unauthorized access to firearms, improper storage, or mishandling could lead to unintended injuries within the school environment. Such mishandling of weapons could have devastating consequences, impacting the lives of students, educators, and the broader school community. Moreover, the presence of firearms in schools creates an environment where the potential for unintended injuries to students and staff is significantly heightened. In the event of a firearm-
related accident, the physical and psychological impact on those involved can be profound, leading to long-lasting repercussions for the individuals affected and the broader school community.
It is crucial to recognize that the introduction of firearms into an educational environment brings with it a range of risks that cannot be entirely mitigated despite the best intentions and safety measures. The potential for tragic accidents resulting from the presence of firearms in schools underscores the critical need to prioritize alternative methods of ensuring school safety and security without introducing additional risks to the well-being of students and staff. The risk of accidental harm associated with introducing firearms into an educational environment is a compelling reason to consider the potential consequences of such a decision carefully. The safety and well-being of students and staff must remain paramount, and it is imperative to explore alternative approaches to school safety that do not introduce unnecessary risks or compromise the overall security of the educational setting. The responsibility of carrying and potentially using firearms should not be placed on educators within an educational environment. Doing so can fundamentally shift educators' focus away from their primary role of providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment. Introducing firearms into schools could alter the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship, as well as the overall school climate, potentially undermining the core mission of education and student well-being. Educators are critical in shaping the learning experience and fostering a positive school climate. Placing the burden of carrying and potentially using firearms on teachers can detract from their primary responsibilities, which include creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The introduction of firearms introduces a significant distraction from the core mission of education, potentially altering the dynamics of the classroom and the overall school climate.
Moreover, the presence of firearms in schools can shift the focus away from student well-
being and the development of a positive learning environment. The introduction of weapons can create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, detracting from the sense of safety and security that is essential for effective teaching and learning. This shift in focus from education and student well-
being to security and potential threats can harm the overall school environment, potentially compromising the quality of the educational experience. Additionally, the introduction of firearms in schools can alter the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship. Educators are entrusted with nurturing and supporting students, and introducing weapons may change teachers' perceptions of mentors and role models as potential enforcers. This shift in dynamics can erode the trust and rapport between teachers and students, potentially creating a tense and adversarial atmosphere that is detrimental to the educational process. The responsibility of carrying and potentially using firearms should not be placed on educators within an educational environment. Doing so can detract from the primary role of educators in providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment, potentially altering the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship and the overall school climate. It is essential to prioritize approaches to school safety that do not compromise the core mission of education and student well-being, ensuring that educators can focus on creating a positive and enriching learning environment for all students. It is crucial to carefully consider the potential consequences and risks associated with introducing firearms into an educational environment. The safety and well-being of students and staff must remain the primary focus, and any decision regarding arming teachers should be approached with caution and thorough consideration of all factors involved.
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The focus should be on exploring alternative methods of ensuring school safety and security that do not compromise the core mission of education and student well-being. By prioritizing comprehensive safety measures, crisis response training, and proactive strategies to prevent violence, schools can create a secure and nurturing learning environment without introducing unnecessary risks or distractions from the primary role of educators. The weight of carrying and maybe employing firearms shouldn't eclipse the duty of educators in creating a positive school climate and influencing the educational experience. It is imperative to sustain the emphasis on establishing a secure, welcoming, and encouraging learning environment for every student so that teachers can carry out their primary duty without jeopardizing the dynamics of the student-teacher relationship or the school's general atmosphere. It takes careful consideration and balance to decide whether or not to arm instructors in schools. The main goal of education must be preserved while the safety and well-being of the entire school community must be given first priority. Works Cited: Lindsey, Tim. “We Must Protect Every Texas Child in Our Schools - Every Texan.” Every Texan -
, TIM LINDSEY, 13 Feb. 2023, everytexan.org/2022/08/03/we-must-protect-
every-texas-child-in-our-schools/.