Armed teachers: Will it be helpful or backfire?

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The shooting in Florida on Valentine’s Day has created major debate about guns across the nation and here in the Cape Fear.

President Trump suggested arming teachers with guns. “If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack,” he said. It’s an idea Trump and a lot of people have had recently to help make American schools safer.

“I don’t believe that forcing teachers to carry a weapon is the correct way to go about doing things,” firearm instructor Andrew Smith.

Smith says arming school staff could put unnecessary pressure and responsibility on teachers, even if some volunteer.

“I’ve heard several vocal teachers say ‘hey I’m more than willing to pick up that gun and be that guy or be that gal if I need to,’ but I think there is a gross underestimation of the required skill needed to be able to proficiently perform that task,” Smith said.

Chris Meek with the North Carolina Association of Educators agrees.

“Law enforcement agents go through a rigorous course load to train to protect the public and teachers go through a rigorous course load to educate the public. So the two shouldn’t be mixed,” Meek said.

Retired teacher and member of the New Hanover County Retired School Personnel, Patsy Watson, also does not believe educators should have the responsibility of protecting students with guns.

“I would like to ask our president, I would like to ask our Senate and Congress to please study this issue more carefully and not put it on the backs of teachers,” Watson said.

Many proponents of arming teachers have suggested using teachers who are already trained or have a concealed carry permit. President Trump has even suggested a bonus for those teachers. The folks we spoke with agree many schools could not afford doing this. They say more needs to be done with mental health and background checks.