OKLAHOMA– Next school year, your child’s teacher could be standing at the chalkboard with a loaded weapon in tow.
“I think it’s dangerous. I don’t think they should be allowed to have guns in the school unless you’re a cop on duty,” Sharon Pullen, an Oklahoma parent, said.
“Yea I think it’s great to have at least one person in there with a gun. That way if there is an armed person that comes in there’s at least one person that can save the day,” Parent Denika Givens said.
Rep. Jeff Coody says not just anyone will be allowed to bring a gun on campus.
Only employees chosen by the school district will be approved to do so. They will also be required to have a license to carry and proper training.
Rep. Coody says this law could especially benefit smaller communities that do not have a police force.
“If that worse case situation occurs, there is the potential for an armed response on the part of the school to stop a perpetrator with deadly intent,” Rep. Coody said.
Drummond Superintendent Dr. Mike Wood says allowing staff to carry is something his district will talk about.
“To specifically state that we would do this, I think we would, if it was right. I do believe it’s something that will help schools,” Dr. Woods said.
Dr. Woods points out the law could also deter crime.
“I think just the idea that there could be somebody here that is armed can cause folks that are considering some sort of nefarious act to maybe reconsider that,” Dr. Woods said.
The decision to allow a faculty member to carry a firearm is up to individual school districts.
We asked several other school districts if they will let teachers carry. Officials at Edmond Public Schools say they have not discussed it and Oklahoma City Public Schools sent us the following statement.
“The Oklahoma City Public School District Board of Education recognizes its responsibility for the safety of district students and staff. Current OKCPS board policy prohibits the possession and/or carrying of dangerous weapons by students, employees, or others either in a vehicle or about the person while on district property, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus. If necessary, OKCPS will make adjustments to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws and the absolute safety of all students and staff.”—Brandon Carey, OKCPS Legal Counsel
