Really bad idea: Nevada state Sen. Bob Beers believes that the best deterrent to gun violence in schools is an armed force of teachers. Beers is proposaing legislation that would make it legal for teachers to bear arms in the classroom after passing a firearm safety course.
— Nevada Sen. Bob Beers
“I would expect enough teachers would be interested (in taking guns to school) so it would serve as a deterrent,” said Beers, a failed gubernatorial candidate.
“We have banned guns in schools in Nevada and most of the rest of the nation for the last 20 years,” Beers said. “Part of the problem is a small percentage of the population is brought up without a knowledge of and respect for guns.
“We need to have discussions on school violence,” Beers added. “It appears to me there is an escalating frequency of these tragedies. In the wrong hands, a gun is a dangerous tool.”
Of course, most people in Nevada think it’s a bad idea to arm teachers. But apparently not in neighboring Utah:
Whether teachers and other school officials should be allowed to carry weapons on campus has been hotly debated in neighboring Utah.
Unlike Nevada, Utah concealed-weapons permit holders can legally bring guns onto campuses. But Utah school districts have differing policies on where the weapons can be legally stashed, with some school systems barring their storage in desks or coat closets on campus.
Some Utahans have called for more teachers to receive weapons training. A Salt Lake City-area firearms instructor began offering free classes in October to teachers seeking concealed-weapons permits, according to media reports.
I further propose that the teachers union use Sen. Beers for target practice.
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