On May 5th, an article was posted here regarding the 2019 Florida Legislature’s failure to allow private schools and places of worship, that have a licensed school campus on their property, to arm themselves or hire private armed security to protect their lives and the lives of those who attend school or other activities on their property.
On May 7th an article was published on TownHall.com, by John R. Lott, Jr., titled: Armed Guards at Houses of Worship Is Not Enough addressing the very subject of hardening the soft targets (places of worship and schools) against an armed assailant.
Against all rational thinking the 2019 Florida Legislature failed the citizens of Florida. While broadening the protection of public school students, allowing teachers to be trained and armed, the Florida Legislature left both those students who attend private schools and young people and adults alike, who attend school or worship services on property owned by faith based organizations and shared with a school campus, to the wolves.
Under current Florida law, private school campuses remain gun free zones. That means gun free zones at ALL times, even when classes are NOT in session, i.e., Saturdays, Sundays, summer break.
Against all rational thinking the 2019 Florida Legislature failed the citizens of Florida. While broadening the protection of public school students, allowing teachers to be trained and armed, the Florida Legislature left both those students who attend private schools and young people and adults alike, who attend school or worship services on property owned by faith based organizations and shared with a school campus, to the wolves.
Yesterday, Tuesday, May 7th another school shooting occurred. This time in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. 8 students were shot, with one being killed. It was not a school guardian or a law enforcement school resource officer that stopped the attack. Rather, it was a fellow, unarmed student, on scene who tackled one of the assailants curtailing the assault.
It has been repeatedly demonstrated that it is the on scene, immediate responder that either mitigates the assault or totally thwarts the attack. Law enforcement only arrives after the shots have been fired and wounded and lifeless bodies are strewn on the ground.
The Florida Legislature needs to be made to know that the lives of those who attend private schools and places of worship are just as valuable as those who work in and attend public schools.
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Brendan Baily, Highlands Ranch STEM, Florida Legislature, SB 1238, HB 403, Florida, church security, school security, Florida, John R. Lott, Jr., Sheep No More