Should Teachers Be Allowed To Carry Guns?

(CBS)  Could allowing teachers to bring guns to class help prevent Columbine-like tragedies?

The board of the tiny, rural Texas district of Harrold, near the Oklahoma border, thinks so.

It unanimously approved such a plan, to take effect this fall -- and the move appears to be the first of its kind in the United States.

Though the district only has one school and about 100 students, the policy could have massive reppercussions.

Board members note that the school is about a half-hour's drive from the nearest Sheriff's office.

But foes of the idea worry about the guns getting into the wrong hands.

On The Early Show Tuesday, the superintendent of the district, David Thweatt, who is very much in favor of the plan, went back-and-forth over it with the president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, Gayle Fallon, who vehemently opposes it:

[bhappy2-2]

isabel36- I''m sorry you feel that way. When the students are in your care you are responsible for them. Yes, the first duty is to educate. But, you also take on additional responsibilities by being the adult and being in control of the classroom. If you feel you would suddenly become a coward and abandon your responsibilities perhaps you should seek work of a different type.

[isabel36-2009]

bhappy2-2,

Although,
I have suffered for some students as if they were my own I did realize that they were not. In the event of a life threatening event we will think and act accordingly!

To arm teachers is wrong! Their main duty is to educate not to think about a resonse to a dangerous student. There has to be a better way. If not, take your child out of the public schools!

[bhappy2-2]

I think it is a wonderful idea. Who would be in a better position to defend the kids from an armed intruder than the adult responsible for them while they are in school? The teachers (at least most of them) care about the children as if they were their own. That is why they teach, it surely isn''t for the money. Remember: when SECONDS count, the police are only MINUTES away!

[patriot12436]

observer2020
I have mixed feelings about this. I see the need for protection because of the violence from students against teachers and bus drivers, but i would want very strict training required before they start carrying in schools. Having lived in Texas i understand where they are coming from and the point that the nearest police station is 30 minutes from the school is also a factor.

[isabel36-2009]

ffurgy,

Yeah, and which dictionary is that, ''The Hick Vintage Dictionary''???

[ffurgy]

aboz3 said:
"LEARNT" ??? You might want to go back and get a little more edgumacation! :-)

Look who''s talking. Learnt is a perfectly good word. You might want to read some
"vintage" works to expand your vocabulary
(or dig out a dictionary before you start
smiling)

[hbevis]

I grew up when children showed respect for their elders. The thought of assaulting a teacher or any adult was unheard of. Times have changed. I have seen it. The kids have no respect for anyone or anything. I also think the responsibility primarily goes back to the parents.
Posted by patriot12436

Well said, patriot12436. I actually cannot believe that this is even being considered. Leave it to Texas to come up with something really dumb like this.

Posted by observer2020 at 03:16 PM : Aug 20, 2008

As I am trained and can and do carry a gun into school''s, I don''t seen anything wrong with the idea. Of course there would have to be some training done over a few months before they should have the right to carry into a school. And it should be on a volunteer basic to do all of this training, etc.

[observer2020]

I grew up when children showed respect for their elders. The thought of assaulting a teacher or any adult was unheard of. Times have changed. I have seen it. The kids have no respect for anyone or anything. I also think the responsibility primarily goes back to the parents.
Posted by patriot12436

Well said, patriot12436. I actually cannot believe that this is even being considered. Leave it to Texas to come up with something really dumb like this.

[ffurgy]

aboz3 said:
"LEARNT" ??? You might want to go back and get a little more edgumacation! :-)

Look who''s talking. Learnt is a perfectly good word. You might want to read some
"vintage" works to expand your vocabulary
(or dig out a dictionary before you start
smiling)

[ffurgy]

aboz3 said:
"LEARNT" ??? You might want to go back and get a little more edgumacation! :-)

Look who''s talking. Learnt is a perfectly good word. You might want to read some
"vintage" works to expand your vocabulary
(or dig out a dictionary before you start
smiling)