- Question
- Should teachers carry guns?
- Position1 of 2›
No, teachers should not carry guns
This position holds that teachers should not carry guns. It argues that schools should be safe places for learning, that arming teachers normalises violence and invites trouble, that teachers lack the tactical training to handle weapons, and that funds are better spent on education.
Supporting arguments · 5
- Guns can end up in the wrong teacher's hands.Background checks aren't perfect, and teachers aren't necessarily good candidates to carry a gun. Carrying a gun can also cause people to have an illusion of power and can change classroom dynamics.
- Students will view the possibility of violence as a normal part of lifeThe presence of guns at school will signal to students that being on constant alert for an attack at school is normal. Having guns at school normalizes violence and the possibility of violence.
- Funds should go into investing for learning rather than gunsSchools are short on money as it is. They lack proper infrastructure and special education training. Instead of investing the funds into arming teachers, that money should be used to improve education for the students.
- Teachers lack the tactical knowledge needed to handle weaponsExtensive training is needed to handle dangerous weapons such as guns. Placing a gun in an untrained teacher's hands is a liability and dangerous to the students.
- Guns in a school environment will only invite troubleThe presence of guns at school increases the likelihood that a student will get their hands on the gun and cause a tragic accident, whether intentionally or unintentionally.