At a meeting on Jan. 22, the Baltimore City school board voted unanimously, 10-0, to oppose a measure that would have allowed school police officers to carry weapons during the day. Their decision defies logic and the latest recommendations of two different school safety commissions formed in the wake of the tragic February 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
The Baltimore Sun reported that the vote likely kills HB31, legislation that would have overturned a previous prohibition on officers employing firearms in schools. The decision makes no practical sense. The details at play make it even worse.
Baltimore is the only jurisdiction in Maryland with a sworn school police force. While they are allowed to carry their service weapons while patrolling the exterior of school buildings before and after school hours, they must be stored “in a secure location during the school day.” How this specific guideline has continued to remain in place, despite multiple school shootings, is baffling — particularly when you consider the details of the Parkland shooting.
The Baltimore Sun reported that “a group called the Baltimore Algebra Project formed a phalanx with their backs to the board members” and said in unison, “No guns in schools. We gonna fight for our lives.” Moved by this show of unity and emotion, the board continued to vote that officers remain disarmed.
How exactly can students fight for their lives against an armed and crazed gunman who enters their school midday and begins a shooting spree? More importantly, how does the school board believe students should defend themselves, when there is an option of having a paid, armed police force?
Consider what two major reports released in December said.
After the 2018 shooting in Parkland, a federal commission combining the departments of Education, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and Justice convened to look at school safety nationwide. The commission’s 180-page report focused on many aspects other than firearms, but it showcased examples of effective programs that train school staff to safely have access to firearms:
A Florida commission reviewing the Parkland shooting not only called for stronger security, but recommended arming some teachers. In Florida, school systems are already allowed to have armed security guards, administrators, and librarians.
God forbid there is a school shooting in Baltimore or anywhere else. But history has shown that deranged people exist and there are means available to thwart those who would take innocent lives at a soft target like a school. If Baltimore has a school police force, they should be armed and ready to protect students.
Shame on the school board for making a decision that appears apathetic and ignorant.
Nicole Russell (@russell_nm) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner‘s Beltway Confidential blog. She is a journalist who previously worked in Republican politics in Minnesota.
