A controversial law in Florida went into effect this week allowing some trained teachers to carry firearms in the classroom to protect the lives of the students and faculty in the event of a mass shooting.
The bill, which was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in May, followed recommendations made by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission detailed in a 446-page report.
“Safety and security accountability is lacking in schools, and that accountability is paramount for effective change if we expect a different result in the future than what occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas,” the report said.
The “guardians” faculty hired specifically to carry arms and protect the students and staff of the school will not be identified, and their weapon carrying status will remain anonymous. Each guardian is required to undergo 144 hours of tactical and weapons training, as well as undergo drug testing and psychological evaluations.
Though advocates for stricter gun control have pushed back against the measure, others see the added protection as major step forward in protecting students as mass shootings in schools have become more commonplace.
“Everybody wants to know, ‘How do we prevent it? How can we stop it?’ We don’t look at it as we want more guns; we look at it as we want more protection,” said Bay County Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt.
So far, 39 of 67 counties in Florida have opted to participate in the guardian program, including Broward County, home to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Orlando and Miami-Dade counties have opted out of participation in the program.
