Giving teachers guns would be incredibly counterproductive in too many ways, argues Vann R. Newkirk II of The Atlantic. Particularly in high-tension, underfunded classrooms, the presence of guns would only create more violence and bloodshed. The militarization of schools has already seen serious violence committed against students, including one death, between 2010 and 2015. Most of such violations happen against students that are minorities. It is strange that defenders of the Constitution agree that arming the state would better serve their rights. This runs contrary to their assertion that they must keep guns to resist a potentially tyrannical government.

Arming teachers would be the best way to discourage future school shootings, holds John Cahoon of The Roanoke Times. Instead of having to sacrifice themselves for their students, armed teachers could fight back attackers. The response to limit gun rights after the shooting in Florida would make the country less safe. Times have changed and, unfortunately, modern-day America faces serious threats from gun-wielding killers. We would best protect our children by surrounding them with more people that can defend them. With the right training and preparation, this can smoothly transition schools to be less of a target for shootings.