Donald Trump doubled down on educators with guns, adding to s*** storm he’s already created about the issue by saying he now thinks a little extra money for teachers who pack heat will do the trick.
President Trump suggests awarding bonuses to trained teachers who carry guns in school: “Frankly, they'd feel more comfortable having the gun anyway. But you give them a little bit of a bonus.” https://t.co/av2UK53Mb9 pic.twitter.com/0AjxB6r9gq
— CNN International (@cnni) February 22, 2018
Teachers seem to agree this is a really stupid idea. Katie Murray/NYC Teacher to The Daily Beast:
The idea of having a gun in my classroom or any of my coworkers’ classrooms makes me sick. It’s incredibly irresponsible and frankly it’s insane. In 2017 there were over 2,000 accidental shootings. I can only imagine what that number would be if guns were allowed in schools. Like I said, I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation in 2018.
The National Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association have both said arming teachers is a terrible idea. Teachers on Twitter seem to agree.
I'm a teacher and a gun owner with a concealed & carry permit, and I'd never want to bring a gun to my classroom. My kids need to feel safe & I should be thinking about content and not worrying about someone grabbing my pistol. Arming teachers is a gun manufacturer's solution.
— Benjamin Gorman (@teachergorman) February 22, 2018
I'm a teacher who qualified in the military on the rifle, handgun, light machine gun, heavy machine gun, grenade launcher, automatic grenade launcher, bayonet and hand grenades.
And there is zero chance you'll convince me a school will be safer if teachers start carrying guns.
— Joseph Connelly (@jcon16) February 20, 2018
Teachers, who are already buying supplies for their students can’t fathom the money it would take to arm an army of teachers.
“We’re constantly told there are no resources for — you name it — another school band, another school program, school arts funding, but wait a minute, there’s suddenly funding to put weapons of war into the hands of teachers? I think it’s insanity.” Dan Montgomery, president Illinois Federation of Teachers to The Chicago Tribune.