28 states US states currently allow teachers or school staff to be armed in the classroom under varying conditions. Proponents argue that without guns, teachers or other staff have only limited countermeasures available to them when confronted with a shooter. Opponents, include The National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, highlight the elevated risk of accidents and negligent use of firearms as more adults in schools are armed.
33% Yes |
67% No |
27% Yes |
49% No |
7% Yes, schools should require at least one teacher or security guard to be armed |
14% No, hire professionally trained security guards instead |
4% No, this would increase the risk of accidental shootings |
See how support for each position on “Armed Teachers” has changed over time for 2.7m America voters.
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See how importance of “Armed Teachers” has changed over time for 2.7m America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@8MN5H3T3yrs3Y
I think that the security guards should be armed, but no teachers should be armed.
@8L3QY7Z3yrs3Y
Yes, A school cop or office man/lady
@8K6XQHF3yrs3Y
I was a teacher. During stranger danger drills, I had to have my kindergarten students in a classroom with no windows and only one exit. We were made to sit in a dark room, in the corner, and be silent. I would have a tap light and try to keep these poor babies as calm as possible, the entire time I was thinking about...”what if someone were to be in this school with a gun...how could I protect my students...even if I laid in front of them and he shot me, he would then have an open shot for them”. All of this stress. We were sitting ducks. Would I want to carry a gun? No. How about metal detectors at the only entrance to the school?
@8GV7GL24yrs4Y
My father is a Columbine Alum. His science teacher, Mr. Dave Sanders, bled to death after being shot. He died trying to save students. Had he had a gun, he would have been able to protect himself and other students. Yes, I do believe teachers should be able to carry guns, but they need to undergo a strict background check first.
@6SJTQXH3yrs3Y
No. America's police system has already proven itself incapable of making rational decisions when under pressure, and could mistake a teacher with a gun for an active shooter.
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