Could School Gun Bans Help Protect Students?
California lawmakers have passed a bill that denies superintendents the ability to allow people carry guns on campus. Could this help protect students, or could it make matters worse for those who live in areas with high crime rates?
King City California is known to have problems with gang violence. Only a few days ago, there was a drive-by shooting near the high school where a 23-year-old man suffered several gunshot wounds to the legs while driving his car. Luckily he was able to drive himself to the hospital and no injury was life threatening, but this goes to show the type of violence that can happen near campus on any given day, especially if gangs are present in the area.
Just a few months prior to this shooting, a King City High School student was shot near the auditorium when gang members decided to settle a score between members. Then three more students were later shot in retaliation. This is only one example of a school district with a high crime rate.
This week, lawmakers are working on a gun ban that would deny superintendents to allow people to carry guns of campus. Although guns were first allowed on campus as a way for those with the right to carry to bring them along while they’re on school grounds, but some people wonder if having a gun only invites more violence or incidents.
But in places that have high crime rates that take place on campus, could the gun ban put more students at risk of a victim? Teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians and other staff members could carry guns with them while on campus if they have the right to carry, and others think that having more individuals with guns at school could help minimize the risk of having a shooting because it would make potential perpetrators worry that someone else would be able to get to them first.
Unfortunately, there is no win-win here. Gun bans might help students and faculty at some schools, while it could hinder students at another district. As we often hear, if someone wants a gun bad enough, they’ll get it. And if they want to bring one to campus, schools must always be prepared.