Essay Sample on Arming Teachers in the Classroom

For an extended period in the United States, the debate about whether teachers should be allowed to carry guns in school has gained momentum. Traditionally, schools are meant to be safe zones free from weapons and drugs. Nevertheless, in the wake of increased mass shootings in learning institutions, some schools have started allowing teachers to carry guns for safety. Proponents of the debate believe that teachers can use the guns to stop school shootings (Frederick 139). However, the idea attracts controversy in the country with opponents questioning that whether carrying guns would increase safety. They believe that they would increase violence or risk being misused making schools more unsafe (Frederick 139). Notably, there are trained professionals such as law enforcement who often misuse their weapons in cases of mental instability or lose them, what makes people think that teachers would not use them against their students? Although carrying firearms would avert school shootings, teachers should not be allowed to carry weapons since the would increase the likelihood of violence, risk be misused or misplaced, make teachers vulnerable, and transfer liability to educators.

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Teachers should not be allowed to carry guns in schools since they increase the likely hood of their usage and violence. Gun violence is a complex and multifaceted issue that ails American society. Many cases of gun violence in the United States often occur when there is a firearm present (Frederick 139). Several pieces of research have revealed that the presence of guns is likely to increase the likelihood of them being used as weapons. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about a third of homicide cases in the country are caused by violence (Minshew 133). Additionally, cases of women being harassed or killed with a gun at home are 21 times more in the US than in any other country (Minshew 133). Hence, bringing a firearm into the classroom means that there is a likelihood of it being used simply because it is available. For example, disagreeing teachers might snap and draw guns at each other endangering the students. On the lighter side, it can be used to stop shootings; nevertheless, it can be used to harm other individuals in the institution.

Teachers facing instances of mental instability are likely to target learners in the classroom. Notably, there are many cases of firearms being mishandled in classrooms in the US such as guns falling from a teacher's waistband, teachers accidentally firing a weapon amidst a safety demonstration, or a student grabbing a gun while being disciplined (Frederick 139). Notably, the above cases place the students in the line of fire in a teacher's acts with negligence. For instance, a student who grabs a gun while being subdued risk being shot by other teachers who are not capable of differentiating threats from non-threats. Moreover, schools may not be equipped with mechanisms to identify if a teacher is mentally unstable or depressed (Minshew 132). Recently, there has been a surge in cases of mental health issues among different professionals in the US, which is still challenging the health sector. Noticeably, mental instability contributes to gun deaths such as suicide and homicides in the country (Frederick 139). As a result, a school cannot be sure that a teacher will not snap and become the villain. Therefore, it is safer to keep the weapons away from classrooms to ensure that students are not injured by those who are supposed to protect them.

The presence of firearms in classrooms risk proving shooters with extra ammunition. Notably, most school shooters are aggressive or vulnerable students who desire to avenge for their bullying by killing their tormentors and passive teachers. For instance, the infamous Columbine school shooting on 12 April 1999 was orchestrated by two students who were occasionally bullied by their peers, while the teachers remained mute about their suffering (Frederick 139). In such an event, the learners would be aware of which teachers have guns and where they keep them. Therefore, they would target the teachers first to eliminate the threats and get their weapons. The incident would escalate the situation leading to more fatalities than there would be if the firearms were not available

The presence of guns in the classrooms transfers the liability to schools and teachers. In the case of internal gun violence in school, the liability would entirely befall the school administration or the teacher whose firearm was used. Noticeably, there are many cases of professionals misplacing their firearms or accidentally firing them (Minshew 130). In such events, the perpetrators are charged with manslaughter, which is a huge burden for teachers to bear. For example, if a teacher forgets their firearm in the bathroom or fails to lock it up, students might play with it inflicting injuries on themselves (Minshew 132). In such scenarios, the teacher would be liable and likely be charged with gross negligence. Therefore, to avoid such events that place teachers in unnecessary risks, the country should dismiss any effort to allow gun presence in educational institutions.

Notably, creating laws that allow firearms in the classrooms may create a scenario where teachers are forced to carry guns. Proponents of arming teachers also acknowledge that the idea of carrying a firearm should be left to the teachers' discretion as opposed to forcing them (Minshew 129). The government should refrain from making it an obligation for educators to have the weapons; however, they should allow everyone to decide as an American citizen. Additionally, most educators show reluctance to undertake firearm training. They believe that if schools would provide such an alternative; they would refuse.

Moreover, carrying guns to school might create unnecessary risks for teachers. For instance, it would be challenging for law enforcement to differentiate between a criminal and a teacher in states that ban people from carrying guns in public (Minshew 129). In such a state of confusion, a teacher might be accidentally shot or arrested. Additionally, teachers might lose their weapons in school as they undertake different tasks. For instance, a naughty student might steal the firearm without a teacher's knowledge. As a result, if the gun is used to commit a crime or homicide, the teacher will be the primary suspect.

As lawmakers in the country continue with the debate of arming teachers, they should consider other alternatives that make schools safer. In 2018, President Trump backed the idea of arming teachers, which drew different reactions across the country (Brenan). A study conducted by Gallup showed that 80% of teachers were opposed to top carrying guns. They maintain that their primary work is to educate (Brenan). Noticeably, the government should increase police presence, door buzzers, install metal detectors, and barricade schools. Security cameras can also be fitted in the school to warn security agencies of an impending attack (Minshew 130). Additionally, security experts advise on investing in mental health through peer mediation and counseling. The scenario would equip learners with mechanisms to handle anger, stress, and depression, reducing the risk of mass shootings since most shooters are agitated students.

Overall, although carrying guns would serve to avert school shootings, teachers should not be allowed to carry guns. The wake of mass shootings in the country has increased in the past three decades. Some people feel that if teachers have firearms in classrooms, they can deter or shoot down villains in case of a lockdown, making schools safer. Nevertheless, the idea of arming teachers has colossal damage as opposed to benefits. For example, teachers with mental instability can turn their students into targets, the presence of firearms would increase the likelihood of their usage, and they would provide shooters with extra ammunition. Carrying guns would also expose educators to multiple risks such as being gunned down by police or making them shooter targets. Given that the presence of a firearm increases the chances of gun violence occurring or escalating, I think schools would be the last place the government should allow the presence of weapons. Instead, the government should find other means to secure learning institutions as opposed to allowing firearms. Additionally, schools should put more emphasis on student's mental health and counseling to prevent suicidal or vengeance motives, which might cause students to desire to kill their peers. Schools should provide a safe learning environment where learners do not live in fear or feel threatened.

Work Cited

Frederick, Jennifer. "Do as I say, not as I do: Why teachers should not be allowed to carry guns on school property." JL & Educ, vol. 28, 1999, pp. 139.

Minshew, Lana M. "From the editorial board: On arming k-12 teachers." High School Journal, vol. 101, no. 3, 2018, pp.129-133.

Brenan, Meghan. Most U. S. Teachers Oppose Carrying Guns in Schools. Gallup, 2018.