Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School recently made a decision that is sure to disappoint the gun control lobby. Earlier this year, a mass shooting at the Parkland school reignited the fight to restrict firearms. The tragedy rocked the United States, which has seen a disturbing number of such incidents in recent years. After each, the argument begins anew.

However, the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was unique in that it spawned a movement spearheaded by some of the students.

The most contentious part of the debate over gun control centers on one question: How do we prevent more mass shootings? It appears that the high school has made a decision on this matter – arm the teachers.

A Decision Made

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas safety commission has been investigating the shooting that occurred earlier this year. Last week, they announced that they wish to begin arming teachers at the school. State Senator and MSD Commissioner Lauren Book argued that “These guardians must be trained and trained appropriately.”

While the left typically approaches the problem of mass shootings and gun homicides by advocating for more legislation restricting the purchase of firearms, conservatives tend to argue for more practical solutions, including arming teachers, improving security measures, and deploying armed guards on high school campuses. It appears that the safety commission opted for an approach that doesn’t involve legislation. Naturally, gun control activists are up in arms – so to speak.

Gun Control Lobby Complains

After the decision was announced, gun control activists quickly made their displeasure known. Cameron Kasky, one of the students present during the shooting earlier this year, tweeted:

“The news about MSD’s safety commission shocked me today- I thought we as a society had already rejected the preposterous notion that arming teachers made schools safer. Looks like there’s more advocacy to be done to enforce the pretty basic idea that guns & classrooms do not mix.”

Max Schachter, whose son was murdered during the shooting, told CBS News: “I don’t think teachers should be carrying guns. I think they have enough on their plate. I think their priority is teaching.”

Republican Governor Rick Scott also disagreed with the decision. “My focus is on providing more law enforcement officers, not on arming the teachers.”

A Positive First Step?

Marjory Stoneman Douglas is not the first high school to go this route. The New York Times published an article in March of 2018, discussing the hundreds of districts that had already begun arming their teachers. Many have not yet taken this step to make themselves harder targets for potential mass shooters, but it is important to point out that there are several other ways schools can protect their students.

Armed security guards have been an effective deterrent and preventive measure. Moreover, metal detectors are a helpful way to ensure that anyone carrying a weapon is not allowed to enter the building. Indeed, schools located in inner cities do not experience the type of mass shootings that have occurred at suburban locations.

There are many on the right and the left who are uncomfortable with the idea of teachers carrying guns, and it’s unlikely that the majority of schools will adopt this approach. However, implementing other measures could make it easier to prevent these attacks.

Many of our firearm restrictions have failed when it comes to keeping Americans safe. Chances are, if you were to ask a leftist what type of law would have prevented the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, they would not be able to offer a viable solution.

The sad reality is that the United States must do more to protect its students, and this means implementing policies that give schools the power to fight back against threats. Further restricting firearms has not proven to be effective. Perhaps Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ decision will lead to more actions that will keep our children safe.