A measure that would allow teachers in Franklin County, Alabama, to carry guns on school campuses was vetoed on March 7, 2013 by Governor Bentley. The bill allowed teachers to carry guns on campus after completing training and passing a background check. Superintendent Gary Williams told WHNT 19 News that this leaves students and teachers as “sitting ducks”
Franklin County Superintendent of Schools, Gary Williams, says that his district cannot afford resource officers in the schools. A viable alternative was to have certain teachers, those who undergo training and pass a background check, carry a gun. With law enforcement and emergency services located up to 20 minutes away, Superintendent Williams says students and teacher are “sitting ducks” if someone were to launch an attack on one of the schools in his district. Williams says that everyone knows there are no resource officers and that teachers cannot have weapons. This leaves schools unprotected.
Governor Bentley vetoed the bill on Thursday. One reason for the veto was the lack of detail about teacher training. The bill is expected to go back to committee where Superintendent Williams hopes legislatures will come up with a bill that is more acceptable to the Governor.
Lynda Altman is a writer, homeschooling parent, crafter and mother of 4. She is very concerned about the safety of public schools. You can reach her at the contact button above or @fusgeyer on Twitter.
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