JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Should school employees be trusted with not only educating but also protecting our kids? Some lawmakers say the answer is yes.
"Kinda like they're, I hate to use the term 'sitting ducks,' but our kids are there with no protection and most schools I know there's been some other legislation proposed about putting an officer at each school, but we're talking schools that are strapped for money now as it is. Ultimately that would be a burden to the schools on money," said bill author, Representative Bubba Carpenter-R.
House Bill 958 would allow school employees to carry a concealed firearm on school grounds.
"I think that with the right teachers, basketball coaches, principals, custodians, in the hands of the right people, I think this would actually solve a lot," explained Rep. Carpenter.
Each school board would chose if they wanted to adopt the policy. If adopted, authorized employees would have to obtain a license to carry and complete a weapons training course.
But not every legislator is ready to back the idea of letting teachers fire back if necessary.
"That's going a little bit too far. I don't think we need to have concealed weapons in public schools. I think what we need is to take the Senate position and Lieutenant Governor's position and fund additional resource officers. These people are law abiding and law training people-they know how to respond," said Representative George Flaggs-D.
Still, supporters think this legislation could prevent another Newtown, CT situation.
"If they don't know whose got a handgun and maybe just the sheer number or thought of having many people on the campus that have a gun would deter some people," described Representative Tracy Arnold-R.
This bill originally limited the number of employees who could carry the concealed weapons to two. But the committee has since changed that to unlimited and up to the discretion of the school boards. They expect it to go to the full House for debate within the week.
What are your thoughts on having school teachers or administrators having a gun in public schools? Vote in our web poll above.
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If adopted, authorized employees would have to obtain a license to carry and complete a weapons training course.
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