Texas Teachers May Become First In Nation To Carry Guns In School Legally

Teachers in the Harrold Independent School District, in the state of Texas, may become the first to be allowed to carry guns for protection in school.

Chron.com reports that Trustees for the Harrold Independent School District approved a policy change last October which would allow the teachers in their tiny school district to carry guns at school, for protection.

The community is a 30 minute drive from the Sheriff's office and the district's single campus is only 500 feet from the U.S. 587, which is a heavily trafficked highway and this leaves the schools' teachers and students unprotected.

The 110-student district is 150 miles northwest of Fort Worth on the eastern end of Wilbarger County, near the Oklahoma border.

According to Superintendent David Thweatt, officials discussed and researched a number of policies before approving the one that will allow teachers to arm themselves in this tiny community's school and this policy is but one of those security measures approved to help prevent a school shooting.

Thweatt tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, "When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves? That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog," he continues on to say, "The naysayers think (a shooting) won't happen here. If something were to happen here, I'd much rather be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because we were able to protect them."

Texas law prevents guns on a school campus unless "pursuant to the written regulations or written authorization of the institution."

In order for the teachers to obtain permission to carry a firearm on the campus, they must:

-Have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun;

-Must be authorized to carry by the district;

-Must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations;

-Have to use ammunition that is designed to minimize the risk of ricochet in school halls.

No details were provided by Thweatt on the number of teachers or staff that would be carrying a gun, to prevent students or potential attackers from being informed of those figures.

This policy approved last October will allow for these staff members and faculty to be carrying as of the opening of school later this month.

.