https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374 Lauren Allen en-us 2019-07-11 14:50:24 UTC 2023-07-16 06:59:52 UTC hello@padlet.com lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875645 My professional perspective is working as an educator in elementary schools, specifically as a counselor. I was a second grade teacher for four years before receiving my M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling. I will begin my career as an elementary school counselor at the end of this month. This Padlet is a resource over the legal and ethical guidelines related to carrying weapons on campuses. It is for any educator/faculty member working in public schools. I chose this subject because I feel that across the nation, the topics of guns and gun control are filling the media, especially on the recent attacks at schools. Additionally, I want to offer some perspective concerning campus carry and why/why it is not beneficial for staff members to be in the possession of handguns. This is a "hot topic," that I hope to give some perspective towards.]]> 2019-07-11 14:55:00 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875645 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875684 I spoke with Stacy Carter, who is the Director of Safety and Security for Lubbock ISD.

Why is the Topic of Campus Carry Important in Lubbock ISD?
Stacy Carter explained that campus carry is an important topic in Lubbock ISD because it affects students, parents, teachers, staff, community members, and all other stakeholders. She mentioned that although Lubbock ISD is a gun free zone, there are individuals on the school board, employees of Lubbock ISD, parents, and community members who are in favor of campus carry, and who are lobbying for it to happen. Several times throughout our meeting, Mrs. Carter mentioned how she felt it would be in everyone's best interest if Lubbock ISD did not allow campus carry, strictly for the purpose of keeping our students safe. Along with discussing the effects campus carry could have, Mrs. Carter emphasized the importance of Lubbock ISD's police force. She feels that it is better for our district to have a well-trained police force, than to have staff members armed.
 
Best Practices Concerning Campus Carry:
Mrs. Carter pointed out three best practices concerning campus carry:
1). Trained police officers should be the only ones carrying weapons on campuses. This is because teachers should focus on doing their job, which is teaching, and the police should focus on their job, which is protecting the school.
2). Although other school districts in Texas are allowing campus carry, it is important to think about the resources that are readily available to them. For example, a lot of smaller districts allow campus carry because police response time could be 15 minutes or more. In larger districts like Lubbock ISD, our response time is less than five minutes.
3). How can we know for a fact that our students/parents cannot gain access to teachers' weapons if we allow campus carry? Focusing on other ways to keep our students safe is more of a priority than allowing campus carry.

Emerging Issues:
An issue that is emerging that educators should be watchful for, according to Mrs. Carter, is the mental health care of our students, as well as our faculty. In carrying any kind of weapon, there is the responsibility that it will only be used under appropriate/necessary circumstances. In considering campus carry or not, there has to be an emphasis on the mental health of everyone. If even one student or staff member at a school is not in a healthy mental state, then the option for campus carry should be taken off of the table. The mental health crisis is becoming more prevalent, and combining mental instability with weapons is a potential disaster. Instead, there should be a focus on advocating for mental health and prevention strategies, and putting teams together to focus on those needs, rather than on campus carry.

(S. Carter, personal communication, July 3, 2019)]]> 2019-07-11 14:55:24 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875684 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875693 The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) released an update on state legislations that governs guns on campuses. This post gives information regarding proposed legislation related to campus carry. It highlights certain states that are wanting to allow guns on campuses, and what their restrictions/policies will be. This post from NASPA also emphasizes policies that are being proposed to restrict guns on campuses, and which states are proponents of campus carry. Lastly, information concerning trends in legislation is included to give the reader an idea of how campus carry legislation is progressing (Hinds, 2018).

Hinds, T. L. (2018, February 22). 2018 state legislation governing guns on campus. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Retrieved from https://www.naspa.org/rpi/posts/2018-state-legislation-governing-guns-on-campus

]]> 2019-07-11 14:55:31 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875693 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875723 This article titled, "As States Debate Arming Teachers, Opponents Detail Mishandling of Guns in Schools," is about the pros and cons of campus carry. Proponents of teachers carrying guns say that it could cut down on response time and may deter would-be attackers. Those against campus carry argue that it is outside of teachers' responsibilities to carry weapons, that should be left to law enforcement. Additionally, opponents say that allowing guns in schools could increase the risk of harm being done by accidental fires, misuse, or weapons unarmed and students gaining access (Blad, 2019).

Blad, E. (2019, April 5). As states debate arming teachers, opponents detail mishandling of guns in schools. Education Week. Retrieved from https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/rulesforengagement/2019/04/as_states_consider_arming_teachers_opponents_detail_mishandling_of_guns_in_schools.html]]> 2019-07-11 14:55:46 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875723 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875798 The Washington Post published an article titled, "Is Arming Teachers a Good Idea? Depends on Where you Live." The purpose of this article focuses on smaller school districts who do not have the financial means to provide armed security. Districts like this are deciding to arm a certain amount of teachers so that some protection is in place, since the response time is much greater. In this article, it emphasizes how, if districts choose to arm their teachers, it is not public information as to who is carrying. While there are proponents of arming teachers, there are also those who oppose, but the greater argument is centered around the location of your school. Would your child be safe if there were a school shooting and if law enforcement could not arrive for at least 15 minutes (Abernathy, 2018)?

Abernathy, G. (2018, December 20). Is arming teachers a good idea? Depends on where you live. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/is-arming-teachers-a-good-idea-depends-on-where-you-live/2018/12/20/bfb3637e-047f-11e9-9122-82e98f91ee6f_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4d61014f479d

]]> 2019-07-11 14:56:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875798 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875859 Unlawful Acts, 18 USC § 922 (q)(2)(B)(ii)

This law states that an individual may be granted permission to carry a firearm in a school zone if the state or political subdivision (i.e. board of trustees) approve. In order to possess a firearm in a school zone, the state or political subdivision has to verify that the individual is qualified under specific law requirements to receive the appropriate license.  ]]> 2019-07-11 14:56:53 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875859 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875884 School Marshals: Public Schools, Tex. Educ. Code § 37.0811

This is the School Marshal plan for public schools, and it allows for a school board to appoint one school marshal for every 200 students in a building where students receive classroom instruction. This law states that the school marshal must be an employee of the district, must have 80 hours of training, and if additional requirements are met, can carry or possess a handgun on school property. Under this law, the school marshal can only have their weapon at a specific school, may not carry their handgun, must keep it locked in a secured place that only the school marshal can have access to, and only be loaded with frangible duty ammunition. Additionally, a school marshal can only access their handgun if deadly force is necessary, and the identity of a school marshal is confidential. ]]> 2019-07-11 14:57:03 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875884 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875904 Powers and Duties of Board of Trustees of Independent School Districts, Tex. Educ. Code § 11.151

School Safety Certification for Qualified Handgun Instructors, Tex. Gov. Code § 411.1901

The combination of these two laws creates the Guardian Plan, where the board of trustees of an independent school district has the exclusive power and duty to govern and oversee its school district (Tex. Educ. Code §11.151). With that authority, the board of trustees can establish a program allowing faculty members to carry handguns on school grounds. The training provided must include how to protect students, tactics for denying an intruder into the school building or classrooms, and how to appropriately manage handguns during stressful situations. Additionally, at least 15 hours of training is required (Tex. Gov. Code § 411.1091).

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.11.htm#11.151]]> 2019-07-11 14:57:15 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875904 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875916 United States v. Lopez, 514 US 549 (1995)

This Supreme Court case involved a 12th grade student who brought a loaded weapon (concealed) to his school in San Antonio, Texas. He was originally charged under Texas law, but those charges were dismissed, and the student was eventually charged under federal regulations. The Supreme Court found him guilty under the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1990, which forbids the possession of a weapon within a school zone. This case applies to campus carry because of the implications involved. The student was charged and sentenced to prison time because he carried a concealed weapon to school. ]]> 2019-07-11 14:57:23 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875916 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875971 This law comes from the Lubbock ISD employee handbook, which are regulations that every employee at Lubbock ISD is to abide by. This specific policy states that employees, visitors, and students are prohibited from bringing a firearm onto school property; it does not matter if an individual is licensed to carry. This law also includes any grounds where a school-sponsored activity takes place (i.e. football games, track meets, academic competitions, etc.). Furthermore, it indicates that should you see someone violating this law, you are required to let your supervisor know and/or call the Police and Safety Services Department. 

Lubbock Independent School District. (2018, August). Employee Handbook, Possession of Firearms and Weapons, Part 1 § 1. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hy9qRutibKdk0YUnn7hbAMDc3rrTFtWV/view?usp=sharing]]> 2019-07-11 14:58:06 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370875971 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370876048 An ethical code from the American School Counselor Association (2016) that applies to campus carry is A.1.g. This standard states that school counselors should be knowledgable of laws, regulations, and policies that affect students and families, and should strive to protect students (American School Counselor Association, 2016). This ethical standard relates to campus carry in the event that a student or parent are concerned about campus carry or have any inquiries regarding whether or not Lubbock ISD allows it. I need to be able to provide them the correct information regarding this topic. 

American School Counselor Association. 2016. ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Ethics/EthicalStandards2016.pdf]]> 2019-07-11 14:58:53 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370876048 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370876073 A book titled, Good Guys with Guns: The Appeal and Consequences of Concealed Carry, written by Angela Stroud (2015), helps readers understand how social and cultural factors can influence people into getting a license to carry. In her book, Stroud (2015) focuses on how gun owners view the world around them and the pros and cons that comes with being licensed. This book connects with campus carry because it offers insight into the perspectives of proponents for campus carry and can help readers understand why people advocate for campus carry (Stroud, 2015).

Stroud, A. (2015). Good guys with guns: The appeal and consequences of concealed carry. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press. ]]> 2019-07-11 14:59:16 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/370876073 lallen321 https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/371183620 1). Federal regulations prohibit campus carry in school zones, unless certain requirements/standards are met. It is important to know what those requirements state, as well as knowing what is not allowed. 

2). Specific state regulations allow school employees to carry. School boards must decide on which "plan" they are going to implement (School Marshal or Guardian), then those distinct guidelines must be in place. Be aware if your school district has implemented either plan as this affects students, staff members, parents, and the community.

3). It does not matter if an individual has or is already licensed to carry. To carry in a public school setting, a person must go through at least 15 hours of training (depending on which plan is implemented) and get an additional certification through whichever program is in effect. 

4). Allowing educators to carry at school goes beyond their teaching requirements. If an intruder entered the building, armed staff members would be required to either intercept the intruder, or have to use their weapon if he or she entered their classroom. Both situations require the armed teacher to divert their attention from their students, which is a teacher's top priority.  

5). Having a license to carry and a weapon on school grounds does not always mean your students' safety is guaranteed. If your school allows campus carry, it is important to ensure that the firearm is kept away from students' access at all times, and only used when absolutely necessary.

6). Other staff members, parents, students, or community members do not have to, nor should they know which employees are carrying on campuses (this is different than posting signs outside of buildings stating that the school allows staff members to carry). This confidentiality helps ensure the safety of everyone involved. 

7). Each district has their own policy concerning campus carry. It is important to know what the policies regarding this topic are. Information about the ability to carry on campus or not can be found in your employee handbook.

8). As educators, protecting our students is our top priority. If effective practices are in place (i.e. secure in place procedures, lock out procedures, etc.), then the use of carrying a weapon on campus may not be necessary.

9). Campus carry is a debated topic that not everyone can agree on. When making the decision as to whether or not a school district's employees can carry, it is important to consider all factors. Some of those include the response time it takes for the police to arrive, what the mental health of the staff and students are, and if having firearms on campus can help further protect our students. ]]> 2019-07-15 13:13:37 UTC https://padlet.com/lallen321/s5vddqf1j374/wish/371183620