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THX wrote:Listen brother, something tells me your children, nieces, or nephews are not sociopathic gang members with Santa Muerte tattooed on their faces. I don't know what the characteristics of your facility are - all I'm saying is that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution here.

You are absolutely right! There is no one-size-fits-all!!

When you're making big changes in policy, you need to let the devil's advocate have his say.

The implication that someone who feels the way I do on this is inherently naîve, misinformed, inexperienced, uneducated, and has not taken the time nor invested the effort in proper equipment or training is unfair at best - and frankly, it speaks volumes. If the decision was made to enact this policy I would certainly make myself available in that role. It's not as if there are marksmen roaming the halls everywhere - I might be the only staff member on campus with defensive pistol training of any kind.

My reference to naive etc was to the quotes from the teacher's unions and others in the article. I was only saying lets not just blanket them as stupid, but work together to show them that in some cases, allowing CHL holders and trained staff to be armed might not be a bad choice. IN NO MEANS do I ever think any one but trained experts should go in search of goblins, but it sure would be nice not to only lock down with my students, but be able to defend myself and them with something other than a desk and a prayer should the goblins make their way in to where we are hunkered down waiting for help to arrive. I have no cape, bat belt or special training to go confront evil doers. However, I have had some training in cover, concealment and shot placement should they find me in a situation where I have no option but turn and fight.

To me the appeal of armed staff lies in the opportunity to forgo the creation of a "locked down" school with greater police presence and student tracking. However, the fundamental flaw we are all overlooking is the fact that almost universally, schools have not taken access control seriously.

The set up of many campuses in our area is multi building and controlling outside access is basically impossible. In addition many of the older schools area "open concept" without classrooms, but halfwall/portable dividers seperating classes. (an ADD nightmare by the way .) No real cover or concealment to be found. You are also right in this magnitude of change should not be made rashly, and I was not implying at all that I was ready to go to work armed and play superhero. On the contrary, I would love to have the same options to defend me and mine that I have at most places I go.

Thanks for your input, I hope my "orange" above helps to clarify what I was trying to reference in my prior "rant". Getting many perspectives and making a truly informed decision on this important matter.

It is not stupidity, it is misinformation; naivete if you will, and abdject terror! As I wander the halls doing my job I hear so much absolute misinformation. Depending upon the situation I may try to correct them, but often doing so would put me in a very awkward situation, so I just swallow bile, say a prayer and continue with my job. I would lay odds that more than half of the people so dead set against on body carry by teachers, including by special ed teachers, have absolutely NO idea what is involved in concealed carry.

What do mothers do that carry?? Do they not let their own kids within their personal space? Never hold their toddlers? The argument about "crowded halls" is bunk, what do each of us do when we are in crowded situations? How often do the general public disarm a CHL carrier? Concealed is concealed, this would mean that the students would have NO need to know who was carrying. It would be no different than going about daily business anyplace else.

I did not stop hugging, lugging and cuddling with my nieces, nephews, and my own children over 2 years ago when I got my license? I did not stop hugging folks at church and out and about. I know for a fact I could do my job with my side arm, and my job is often very physically demanding and up close and personal with the students, and no one would need to or obviously know that I had it with me. I could do so safely and pretty darn comfortably! Because I have taken the time and effort and invested in my God given right to my personal protection and to set myself up for success with the proper equipment. I also strive to achieve proper training well above and beyond the basic CHL requirements. I am no different than many of the fine folks I have met since making this incredible journey two years ago. If you had asked me 2 years ago if I thought someone could do a job such as teaching or school nursing carrying a side arm I would have answered NO WAY! A little proper education and experience goes a long way.

Sorry for the rant. I just don't like calling folks stupid who are just simply grossly undereducated and underexperienced. Blessings!

ETA - JMPHO, but I personally and fully believe that if we are to win this war, we; as armed citizens, MUST hold ourselves to a much higher accountability for our behaviour; including how we discuss the uninformed and the "anti's". I understand this is an extremely emotional topic for most of us, and we are entitled to our opinion and feeling frustrated is a given, but calm and cool above and beyond reproach is a must, or we are feeding the opposition. (stepping of of soapbox)