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Firearms-in-schools bill would help rural districts

4 min read
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A July 5 editorial in the Observer-Reporter, “Teachers should keep their guns at home,” criticized our vote in favor of a proposal that could provide another layer of protection against mass-casualty events and other senseless acts of violence in schools.

The bill in question would allow school boards to make a final decision regarding whether individual teachers and other school personnel should be allowed to possess a firearm on school grounds. While the O-R editorial board envisions the bill as creating some sort of “Wild West” scenario, nothing could be further from the truth.

The legislation goes to great lengths to make sure that only the best-trained, most-responsible and most-reliable individuals would be afforded the opportunity to possess a firearm on school property. Once again, a school employee will only be permitted to possess a firearm for protection when the school board decides that this approach is best for the school.

It is important to understand that the bill is not a mandate.

It does not allow every teacher, teaching aide, principal, bus driver, nurse or janitor to bring a firearm to school. It only allows a school board to designate certain individuals who may possess a firearm, and only after those employees meet certain requirements pertaining to the responsible use of firearms, including completion of a Pennsylvania State Police-approved firearm safety and training course.

Psychological and character evaluations would also be part of the equation to ensure firearms are only allowed in the safest and most capable hands. Additionally, the school board must file a safety plan, which includes a list of personnel permitted access to firearms on the property, with the local enforcement agency. The school must also provide notice to the parents and guardians of all students enrolled in a school that has voted to allow qualified personnel access to firearms.

This legislation does not change that schools are designated as gun-free zones. No one other than those permitted under this legislation could carry in those schools that choose to allow them to do so responsibly.

The idea of completely gun-free zones makes sense … in theory. However, it is important to realize that this blanket prohibition on firearms only applies to law-abiding citizens. Criminals, by their very nature, do not follow the law. That makes gun-free zones – like schools – a target for those who wish to inflict harm and suffering upon others. The best deterrent to this sort of senseless violence is the knowledge that teachers and other employees have the capability to defend themselves and their students in an emergency.

We acknowledge that this legislation does not make sense for every school building and every school district. Many urban schools have metal detectors and security guards.

Other school buildings are near law enforcement. Some schools even contract with local police for additional security. However, most rural school districts do not have these advantages. Many are located 20 minutes or more from a police department – more than enough time for a shooter to target entire buildings full of defenseless children and adults.

Just as we support more local control for the education of our children, we believe that school districts, school boards and parents should also have a voice in the safety of our children in our schools. School districts and school boards understand their security needs and vulnerabilities better than anyone.

Allowing a limited number of school personnel to carry a firearm is a weighty decision for parents and administrators, but we believe that they will make the right decision based on their unique circumstances. They deserve the chance to make the best choice in providing safety and security for their children. State government should not deny them that opportunity.

Bartolotta represents Greene County and parts of Beaver and Washington counties in the state Senate. Reschenthaler represents parts of Allegheny and Washington counties in the state Senate.

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