I am adamantly opposed to the current bill that would allow (really, encourage) teachers to carry guns in their schools. I am convinced that securing school doors is a better, smarter, less risky option for our children. Securing the doors eliminates the risk that a gun on school property falls into the wrong hands, makes schools more secure and keeps the bad guys out. Schools across our state do not have secure doors, like most day care facilities do.
Guns-in-schools legislation is dangerous and risky, and no one knows yet what the consequences of it will be. Our Legislature should give each school the funds to secure their doors rather than arm teachers (whose job is to teach, not provide security) or post armed guards. Each of these options brings guns into our schools when what we really want is to get guns out of our schools.
Real life is not like in the movies—even a teacher trained to use a gun doesn't fire one perfect shot and take out the bad guy. If schools can keep the bad guys out, no one “needs” a gun inside.
Heather DeGaetano
Chattanooga
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