JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The group Public School Defenders attended the Duval County Public School board meeting to voice concerns about Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s presentation at the school safety workshop on February 20th.
Gualtieri chairs the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission.
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Public School Defenders is concerned about the recommendation from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, which Gualtieri chairs, to arm teachers.
The group put out the following statement in response to the recommendation:
Student safety remains a top concern for families across America, and we believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment. Public School Defenders strongly opposes the proposition of arming teachers and staff, as there is no evidence supporting arming educators contributes to a safer school environment. Instead, there are far too many reported cases of accidental discharges, misfires, and intentional misuse of firearms within districts putting more guns into schools.
Teachers are educators, mentors, and role models - not armed guards. The presence of firearms in schools fosters an atmosphere of fear and anxiety rather than one that is conducive to a healthy learning environment. Elected leaders should focus on investing in proven, evidence-based strategies to ensure the safety of students. This includes improved access to mental health services, enhanced security measures, and preventative initiatives that address the root causes of violence. Teachers need to be armed with resources and support, not firearms.
Public School Defenders
In 2018, the school district chose not to arm teachers and staff. There was no specific mention of rethinking that policy at tonight’s meeting.
Multiple parents spoke during public comment about their concerns of arming teachers, and Board Chair Darryl Willie gave a safety update, where the school safety workshop was mentioned.
Currently DCPS has at least one armed person at each school. They include school resources officers, trained security guards, or staff hired and trained specifically to carry a gun.