Could arming teachers affect school insurance policies?

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — While many schools have heard about the possibility of arming teachers in the classroom, most schools in our area have not even entertained the idea.

However, if that were an option the insurance industry might have the final say.

It is an idea shut down by most state leaders including State Superintendent Mark Johnson.

“We’re not at that point yet,” Johnson said. “I have come out publicly and said that I am a supporter of the Bill of Rights. I’m a firm supporter of the Bill of Rights. But when I was a teacher I can tell you I would not have been comfortable carrying one of my firearms in a classroom.”

Right now, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Bladen and Pender County Schools have not discussed arming teachers nor do they plan to.

As for Whiteville City Schools they have not talked about it yet, but they plan to discuss all available options.

“These are discussions that are just getting started,” Johnson said.

A major player in the decision to arm teachers could be the insurance industry.

The last time arming teachers was seriously considered was after the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. Insurers across the nation quickly put a stop to the idea.

“The question of insurance that would be something that would have to come up if we actually start looking at polices that would allow teachers to carry firearms,” Johnson said.

WWAY reached out to our school’s insurance companies regarding the possibility of arming teachers.

Liberty Mutual insures New Hanover County Schools.

They sent WWAY the following statement:

“Liberty Mutual Insurance does not automatically decline a school because they have decided to authorize certain individuals to carry firearms. If a school board chooses, pursuant to its authority under state law, to authorize specific school employees to possess certain firearms on school property, we would underwrite the exposure as we would any other exposure, by evaluating exposure characteristics, school protocols and controls, risk management approach, and the legal environment.”

WWAY reached out to NC School Boards Trust who insures Brunswick, Bladen, Pender, Columbus Counties and Whiteville City Schools for comment. They have still not returned our calls or emails.