Pistol Packing Teachers: What Do Students Think?

The Federal Commission on School Safety has proposed a number of school security measures, including that trained teachers be allowed to carry concealed weapons at school. Prior to implementing such a policy, legislators and school administrators would be well advised to understand the potential effects of the policy on students. The current study draws on data from high school students and finds that most students oppose the policy and anticipate feeling less safe if teachers are armed. The level of opposition varies across demographic characteristics and victimization experiences: nonwhite and female students anticipate greater decreases in safety if teachers are armed, as do those with higher levels of bullying victimization and perceived risk of school victimization.