In a recent survey conducted within Morton East High School, out of 118 students 49% support teachers carrying firearms on school grounds.   

As of March 2018, there have been eight school shootings in the United States this year. Due to the increase of shootings within schools, there has been talk of methods that would deter any more shootings from occurring. There has been talk about reforming gun laws; in most states, you can legally purchase an assault rifle at the age of 18. Another idea that has been presented is implementing metal detectors in schools, but that alone can cost within the range of $1000-$30,000.  

“Having guns in the classroom would distract students, or at least I know it would distract me knowing that my teacher has a fully loaded weapon in her desk,” senior Jesus Flores, a Morton student, said.  

This does prove to show that some students, like Jesus, would be afraid and unable to focus on simple topics.  On the other hand, there are students who would feel more secure and safe with a teacher who has a way to fight back should anything ever occur.   

“I would feel a lot safer knowing that my teacher can fight back to protect us and himself. “Angel Ruiz, a student from Morton said.   

The principal had a few things to say about this topic and even gave a few of his ideas and examples of things that he has pushed to make this learning environment feel safer for everybody.  

“We have armed off-duty police officers walking around the school and I believe that our teachers are brave enough to protect our students,”  principal Mr. Gamboa said.  

It isn’t so much about the guns, but more about the security of our youth. To what extent would we go to protect the next generation, would we equip the staff with firearms or implement metal detectors. Each one of them has their pros and cons but it is time for people to decide what should be done.