A Colorado father, Ted Zocco-Hochhalter, who survived the Columbine High School shooting 25 years ago, has voiced concerns over legislation in Tennessee that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. Zocco-Hochhalter’s daughter was shot and his son took shelter during the shooting, leaving a lasting impact on his family. He believes that allowing teachers to be armed may not be the most effective response to school shootings based on his experiences during the Columbine tragedy.
Despite the passage of a bill in the Senate allowing teachers to carry guns and requirements for extensive training, Zocco-Hochhalter and other parents, including Mary Joyce, whose daughter was also a survivor of a school shooting, are advocating for alternative approaches to school safety. They believe that arming teachers is not the solution to gun violence in schools and would not necessarily ensure better outcomes during chaotic situations like a school shooting.
Advocates for the legislation argue that arming teachers could be beneficial in rural school districts and those struggling to fill school resource officer positions. However, Zocco-Hochhalter urges schools to consider comprehensive emergency preparedness plans involving input from teachers, parents, students, and experts in the field to improve school safety measures.
As the debate continues, a group of students plans to protest the legislation on the Tennessee State Capitol steps, reflecting a wider community concern over how best to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools.
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