The National Rifle Association unveiled its “National School Shield” program on Tuesday as part of an effort to offer to protect schools from gun violence.
In the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting in December, the NRA assembled a task force led by former Congressman Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.), now an administrator for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to come up with a plan of action to help guide the federal government as it considers making changes to current gun laws.
Announcing the task force’s eight recommendations at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., Hutchison said the solutions range from arming teachers and administrators to additional funding for school safety programs.
You’ve heard Senate Democrats’ response to Sandy Hook – eliminating ownership of certain guns altogether — now here’s the NRA’s answers.
1. Changing state laws to allows school personnel to carry firearms at schools
Hutchinson called for states to consider revising their laws to allow teachers and other personnel to carry guns at school.
2. School shooting trainings for school resource officers and school personnel
School resource officers and school personnel —meaning teachers and administrators, too— would spend up to 60 hours learning what to do if a shooter ever stepped on campus. Hutchinson admitted he knew this was “one item that would catch everyone’s attention.” According to Hutchinson, this was inspired by an assistant principal from Mississippi. When an armed intruder came to Pearl High School in 1997, Assistant Principal Joel Myrick was able to run to his car, grab his .45 semi-automatic pistol, track down the shooter and detain him until authorities arrived. Hutchinson argued this would be extremely benefical to schools that can’t afford school resource officers.
3. Better communication between law enforcement agencies and schools
Hutchinson said there must be a “clear understanding” between law enforcement agencies and schools so school resource officers can better respond to emergencies.
4. Online self-assessments
Schools would be be allowed to utilize this tool free of charge on the National School Shield website to learn about practices they could adopt to better protect their schools.
5. Mandate school security
This would mandate school security along with course curriculums as another component to adequacy assements already in place.
6. More money
This recommendation calls for the federal government to provide more resources to school safety programs, such as training grants.
7. Mental health pilot programs
These programs would address bullying and antisocial behavior and would respond to threats of violence.
“If you look at what happened at Sandy Hook— mental health is a huge component,” Mark Mattioli, a parent of a Sandy Hook victim, said during the press conference.
8. Bring in the NRA
The National School Shield program would become a part of a larger umbrella program that would offer consultation to schools, new pilot programs and web-based tools.
