Crime & Safety

Gun-Toting New Port Richey Teachers in the Future?

A bill under consideration in the Florida House would enable school principals to arm select teachers.

Imagine sending your children to school knowing they're protected from bad guys not by an armed deputy or security officer, but a fifth-grade English teacher with a Glock.

That’s what the future may hold for school security if Florida Rep. Greg Steube, R-Bradenton, gets his way. Steube has drafted a bill that would give Florida principals the power to choose teachers who would have the right to carry weapons on campus, according to The Tampa Tribune. These teachers would have to obtain a concealed weapons permit and undergo training.

Principals, by the way, would also be able to determine just how many teachers are allowed to carry, making the number vary from school to school.

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"It would be a good deterrent," The Tribune quoted Steube as saying. "The bad guys aren't going to know how many or who's carrying in a school. They don't know if nobody is designated or if 10 people are designated."

The proposal has a long way to go before it becomes law, but even so it’s made it to the House’s K-12 subcommittee.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Florida isn't the only state considering legislation that would allow teachers to carry firearms for student protection either. Several other states, including Oklahoma, are weighing the idea's merits, according to The Huffington Post. South Dakota has already signed a bill into law, The New York Times says.

While school security and the need to enhance it have gained much attention since last year’s shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, Hillsborough leaders say Steube’s bill isn’t the answer.

"I thought it was a horrible idea the moment I saw it," The Tribune quoted Hillsborough County School Board chairwoman April Griffin as saying.

What do you think New Port Richey? Do you agree it’s a bad idea or is it worth exploring? Share your thoughts in the comments section

See Also:

  • Elementary School Security: Should It Be Increased?
  • Pasco School Security a Concern for Superintendent
  • Pasco Deputies Won't Return to Elementary Schools
  • Letter from Representative Mike Fasano to Governor Rick Scott re School Safety


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