A resolution that opposes arming teachers and school staff was approved Tuesday by Washoe County School District trustees and will be sent to Reno’s Washington delegation.
It calls upon state and federal authorities to provide funding for school districts for additional school police officers, counselors, psychologists, social workers, firearm safety education programs, and security features in school buildings.
“We believe that arming our educators would pose a great safety risk, and we agreed today that we needed to oppose any move toward allowing weapons in our classrooms or on our campuses,” board president Katy Simon Holland said.
Several high-profile school shootings this year in the U.S. have prompted proposals from the federal level that include arming teachers. However, they’ve generated bipartisan opposition from lawmakers nationwide, although many have called for funding to improve security in schools.
District officials noted that teachers aren’t trained law enforcement officers and that carrying weapons is the responsibility of police.
“As a district, we are committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment in our schools, and arming our educators directly contradicts that mission,” school police chief Jason Trevino said. “Our officers are fully trained and certified in the use of firearms, and we feel strongly that educators should not keep weapons accessible in their classrooms or on their person.”
According to the district, the resolution is consistent with reports released by the Departments of Education, Justice, Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. These reports emphasize that the possibility of school gun violence does not justify arming school personnel other than trained law enforcement officers.
On the Web: Text of the Resolution
