The Argyle Independent School District in north Texas has started the 2014-15 school year, as KDAF-TV noted, “with guns blazing” — or, rather, with newly armed teachers who have been given the right to use them “to protect our students.”

KDAF reported that all teachers who are given a gun must obtain a license to carry it, pass a psychological evaluation and get training in how to use the weapon. Signs like the one below have been posted at all four of the schools in the small district.



This is one of the signs that a Texas school district has posted at each of its schools. (Screen grab KDAF-TV)

Argyle is not the only school district that is arming its educators this year. In fact, nearly 20 states have laws allowing adults to carry licensed guns into schools. KCUR radio in Kansas City, Mo., reported that a dozen mostly rural school districts in Missouri have provided weapons and training to teachers this year — even though Gov. Jay Nixon (D) in July vetoed legislation that would have allowed teachers to get special training to possess guns in schools. The legislature may override the veto this month.

Here’s what Nixon said when he vetoed the bill:

“Arming teachers will not make our schools safer. I have supported and will continue to support the use of duly authorized law enforcement officers employed as school resource officers, but I cannot condone putting firearms in the hands of educators who should be focused on teaching our kids.”

Kansas City Star columnist Lewis Diuguid wrote in this piece that anyone seeking to overturn Nixon’s veto should consider what happened recently at Idaho State University. An instructor carrying a concealed gun accidentally shot himself in the foot in the chemistry lab. Students were in attendance at the time but luckily none of them were hit.