Abbie Clark College Composition and Research Editorial Essay September 24, 2015 Security in Schools Imagine if there were an emergency situation in the Chillicothe R-2 School District: a crazed gunman, an escaped convict? Where would students be? Would students be in danger? Would knowing there was someone armed and ready to protect students leave them at ease. Although guns can be dangerous if in the wrong hands, if teachers have their conceal and carry license, they should be allowed to carry their guns in school because it would provide protection for students in case of an emergency, it discourages students from bringing weapons to class, and provides an alternative to schools that do not have a School Resource Officer. Although a gun falling into the wrong hands could be catastrophic, the benefit outweighs the risk. In a worst case scenario an adult that brought a gun to school prepared to defend his or her students could let the gun could fall into the wrong hands and cause an even bigger problem. However, this fear is irrational because this situation has not happened in schools that allow teachers to carry weapons. Besides, if there happened to be an emergency situation within the Chillicothe R-2 School, a gunman for example, a teacher with their conceal and carry license would be able to protect students and other faculty. Likewise, any teacher, principal, secretary, or janitor with the skills capable of having a gun license would be able to take a stand against any intruder to protect the student body. Furthermore, knowing that a member of the faculty was armed, ready to protect the student body discourages students from bringing weapons to class. As a result, if a student was aware that their teacher was carrying a gun it would be less likely for a student to bring a weapon to class. Any student would waver in his or her decision to take the risk that comes with bringing a weapon to school. Above all, having a faculty member carrying a weapon provides an alternative to schools that do not have a School Resource Officer. The Chillicothe High School and the Chillicothe Middle School are lucky enough to have an on-hand School Resource Officer. Although, there are many other schools within the Chillicothe R-2 School District that do not have a School Resource Officer, and having a someone prepared within the building to take a stand against an intruder could be life-saving. Where would students be if there was an emergency situation in the Chillicothe R-2 school district? Would students feel more safe knowing there was protection for the Chillicothe students and faculty? Weapons should be allowed on school campuses if a faculty member has taken the precautions to get their conceal and carry license. Guns can be dangerous if in the wrong hands, but a teacher should be allowed to protect their students in an emergency situation. In essence, faculty members carrying guns would provide protection for students in case of an emergency, it discourages students from bringing weapons to class, and provides an alternative to schools that do not have a School Resource Officer.
