Hey guys, can you help me out? I drafted this letter to my superintendent, but would appreciate a few other eyes reading it first. I may also wait for a little while to send it. I think if I send it right now, I might come across as being a little impulsive. What do you think?
Dr. ************,
Due to recent local and national events, many people have expressed concern over the safety of our students in and around our schools. As a teacher at ****, I, along with my fellow teachers, are on the front-lines with matters in regard to school safety. A large majority of the public is becoming aware of this and seem to be leaning toward states allowing teachers the right to carry firearms on school grounds, as shown by recent legislative proposals. What many don’t realize is the fact that Indiana laws already allow this.
The ability to defend ourselves and our students against potential threats is a viable deterrent in the battle against school violence. As an Indiana handgun carry permit holder, I have a license to carry a handgun issued by the State of Indiana and carry my handgun everywhere I'm legally allowed to do so. I do this, not only to protect myself, but to protect those who cannot defend themselves. I have also sought out and obtained extensive training on the safe and proper usage of firearms necessary to fulfill such a task-- it's a responsibility that I take very seriously. Numerous states are currently considering the act of allowing teachers to arm themselves during the school day. In Indiana, however, the decision to allow teachers to carry firearms on school grounds is left to the approval of the school administration (IC 35-47-9).
I have discussed this issue with a few other teachers, friends, and family, and everyone I have spoken to, supports my efforts. They believe that a teacher carrying a firearm, concealed or open, would be a huge step forward in school safety, as most school shootings take place in 10 minutes or less. In fact, they begin and end so abruptly, that law enforcement officers simply cannot respond quickly enough. It’s a scenario that has played out time and time again. However, studies have also shown that it only takes one person to show resistance to a potential shooter and mitigate the danger immediately.
I realize this is a very controversial topic, but as we have seen in the past, controversies can be easily overcome with a little bit of public education and training. In fact, Guy Relford, an NRA certified firearms instructor and attorney, has offered to donate $850 worth of NRA defensive firearms training, free, to any teacher in possession of an Indiana handgun license and written approval (to carry on school grounds) from the school administration. I'm sure the training would help ease minds.
Best Regards,
IC 35-47-9
Chapter 9. Possession of Firearms on School Property and School Buses
IC 35-47-9-0.1
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.63-2012, SEC.78.)
IC 35-47-9-1
Exemptions from chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter does not apply to the following:
(1) A:
(A) federal;
(B) state; or
(C) local;
law enforcement officer.
(2) A person who has been employed or authorized by:
(A) a school; or
(B) another person who owns or operates property being used by a school for a school function;
to act as a security guard, perform or participate in a school function, or participate in any other activity authorized by a school.
(3) A person who:
(A) may legally possess a firearm; and
(B) possesses the firearm in a motor vehicle that is being operated by the person to transport another person to or from a school or a school function.
As added by P.L.140-1994, SEC.11.
IC 35-47-9-2
Possession of firearms on school property, at school function, or on school bus; felony
Sec. 2. A person who possesses a firearm:
(1) in or on school property;
(2) in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function; or
(3) on a school bus;
commits a Class D felony.
As added by P.L.140-1994, SEC.11.
Retrieved from: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar47/ch9.html on December 19, 2012
Dr. ************,
Due to recent local and national events, many people have expressed concern over the safety of our students in and around our schools. As a teacher at ****, I, along with my fellow teachers, are on the front-lines with matters in regard to school safety. A large majority of the public is becoming aware of this and seem to be leaning toward states allowing teachers the right to carry firearms on school grounds, as shown by recent legislative proposals. What many don’t realize is the fact that Indiana laws already allow this.
The ability to defend ourselves and our students against potential threats is a viable deterrent in the battle against school violence. As an Indiana handgun carry permit holder, I have a license to carry a handgun issued by the State of Indiana and carry my handgun everywhere I'm legally allowed to do so. I do this, not only to protect myself, but to protect those who cannot defend themselves. I have also sought out and obtained extensive training on the safe and proper usage of firearms necessary to fulfill such a task-- it's a responsibility that I take very seriously. Numerous states are currently considering the act of allowing teachers to arm themselves during the school day. In Indiana, however, the decision to allow teachers to carry firearms on school grounds is left to the approval of the school administration (IC 35-47-9).
I have discussed this issue with a few other teachers, friends, and family, and everyone I have spoken to, supports my efforts. They believe that a teacher carrying a firearm, concealed or open, would be a huge step forward in school safety, as most school shootings take place in 10 minutes or less. In fact, they begin and end so abruptly, that law enforcement officers simply cannot respond quickly enough. It’s a scenario that has played out time and time again. However, studies have also shown that it only takes one person to show resistance to a potential shooter and mitigate the danger immediately.
I realize this is a very controversial topic, but as we have seen in the past, controversies can be easily overcome with a little bit of public education and training. In fact, Guy Relford, an NRA certified firearms instructor and attorney, has offered to donate $850 worth of NRA defensive firearms training, free, to any teacher in possession of an Indiana handgun license and written approval (to carry on school grounds) from the school administration. I'm sure the training would help ease minds.
Best Regards,
IC 35-47-9
Chapter 9. Possession of Firearms on School Property and School Buses
IC 35-47-9-0.1
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.63-2012, SEC.78.)
IC 35-47-9-1
Exemptions from chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter does not apply to the following:
(1) A:
(A) federal;
(B) state; or
(C) local;
law enforcement officer.
(2) A person who has been employed or authorized by:
(A) a school; or
(B) another person who owns or operates property being used by a school for a school function;
to act as a security guard, perform or participate in a school function, or participate in any other activity authorized by a school.
(3) A person who:
(A) may legally possess a firearm; and
(B) possesses the firearm in a motor vehicle that is being operated by the person to transport another person to or from a school or a school function.
As added by P.L.140-1994, SEC.11.
IC 35-47-9-2
Possession of firearms on school property, at school function, or on school bus; felony
Sec. 2. A person who possesses a firearm:
(1) in or on school property;
(2) in or on property that is being used by a school for a school function; or
(3) on a school bus;
commits a Class D felony.
As added by P.L.140-1994, SEC.11.
Retrieved from: http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar47/ch9.html on December 19, 2012
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but I think (except on school grounds) should just have a comma and not the parenthesis. Same with (to carry on school grounds). I think parenthesis are pretty overused (on the internet).
