Guns at Forefront of School Safety Discussion
Posted at: 12/22/2012 5:25 AM
| Updated at: 12/22/2012 6:21 PM
By: Maarja Anderson
manderson@wdio.com
In the wake of Newtown's tragic shooting, legislators across the country are trying to find a solution to school violence and at the forefront of that discussion is gun control.
Following a week of silence after the shooting, the National Rifle Association held a press conference Friday to comment on the mass violence. NRA Executive Vice President, Wayne LaPierre, said in order to avoid such violence, armed guards are needed in every school.
"I just don't see that being the solution," said Chad McGrath of Springstead, WI. "We have a culture that's violent, and if you want to change that you don't add to the violence."
The NRA didn't support any of the proposals laid out by legislators across the country this week. California and New York Democrats are planning a push to tighten already stringent gun control laws. While Republicans in Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida have called for making it easier for teachers and other adults to have weapons in schools.
Here in Minnesota, lawmakers are evaluating the state's gun laws. Republican Rep. Tony Cornish plans to introduce a bill that would allow teachers to arm themselves in the classroom.
Arming teachers, is a controversial solution to school safety.
"I don't think it's a solution," said Galen Treuer of Duluth. "Are you serious? You don't need guns in schools where kids can get them."
"I think it would be absolutely excellent." said Joan Mattson of Duluth. "I think all the students should know that, too."
With an issue as divided as gun laws, the upcoming legislative sessions will likely get heated.
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