Allowing guns in Iowa classrooms is a mistake. More guns in our schools means more danger for our students, teachers, and staff.
Our state lawmakers just passed a bill that would arm teachers and other school staff—but we can't let HF 2586 become law.
HF 2586 would arm school personnel without sufficient oversight. Allowing school staff to carry loaded weapons with minimal training would increase the risk of accidental shootings, weapon misuse, and lethal escalation of tense situations.
Furthermore, HF 2586 would be a fiscally irresponsible response to school gun violence. This bill would potentially divert funds from effective school violence prevention measures, such as mental health resources or threat assessment teams.
This January, our hearts broke as tragedy struck Perry High School. Yet again, a gun wreaked havoc in a school—ending two lives in the process.
Arming school staff will not prevent tragedies such as this one.