The National Rifle Association finally ended its reticence on the Newton, Connecticut school tragedy by erratically firing off statements that put the lives of schoolchildren in ever increasing peril.
Dear Editor,
The National Rifle Association finally ended its reticence on the Newton, Connecticut school tragedy by erratically firing off statements that put the lives of schoolchildren in ever increasing peril.
At a news conference last Friday, Wayne LaPierre, the N.R.A. vice-president, offered a solution to end mass shootings in schools – training and arming guards to stand as sentries on campuses around the country.
Under its proposed plan, “millions of qualified active and retired police; active, reserve and retired military; security professionals; certified firefighters and rescue personnel; and an extraordinary corps of patriotic, trained qualified citizens” would provide a “blanket of safety,” shielding students from individuals who stalk schoolyards in search of prey.
Mr. LaPierre and others of the gun lobby contend that bringing hired guns into a school setting is the silver bullet to ending the horrific events that unfolded at Sandy Hook Elementary.
But is the presence of armed guards shouldering AK-47s supposed to make our children feel safer? And if a shootout occurs, who will most likely be caught in the crossfire?
I believe I speak for all educators in stating that providing a safe and welcoming, learning environment for students is our first priority. Safety and respect should always trump high stakes, standardized testing.
In the wake of mass, school shootings I realize the vulnerability of our nation’s schools. They must be made safer in protecting our country’s most valuable asset, but fortifying them in the likeness of a U.S. military outpost in southern Afghanistan is not the answer.
Building and maintaining safer schools requires a multi-faceted approach, ranging from changes in the architectural design and layout of school facilities to reforming gun laws. Points of access to schools must be limited, while the proliferation of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines must be eliminated.
Frank Perez, Hollister, SBHS teacher
