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Legislation asks state to consider arming teachers
02/23/2018

A Senate Resolution filed Thursday would ask a legislative study committee to consider arming Indiana teachers with concealed firearms. SR 38, authored by Sen. Jim Tomes (R – Wadesville), has been assigned to the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee.

The issue of arming teachers with firearms is not a new proposal, but the idea has received increased momentum following comments from President Donald Trump. Trump recommended arming teachers this week as a solution to school safety concerns following the murder of 17 people at a Parkland, Florida high school.

ISTA issued a statement Thursday opposing any school safety solutions that include arming educators.

“Arming educators sends a signal that we are giving up and accepting this crisis as the new reality,” said ISTA President Teresa Meredith.

“Instead of arming educators with guns, lawmakers should start by arming our schools with more psychologists and counselors so kids dealing with trauma get care before they become broken. Educators need to be focused on teaching our students. Together – parents, educators, lawmakers, community leaders – need to come up with real solutions that really will save lives.” 

If the resolution is heard next week, ISTA will share its policy concerns on this matter.