"There's a lot of violence going on in America right now. People are on edge. I just think that having more guns is going to make us more at risk. This statement from Robin Goodman, an English professor and president of FSU's faculty union chapter, encapsulates the opposition perspective that expanding armed presence on campuses may increase danger rather than enhance safety."
"The program is voluntary and will require guardians to complete 144 hours of training, including 132 hours of firearm training and 12 hours of conflict de-escalation tactics, undergo psychological evaluation, and submit to random drug tests. Additionally, the bill prohibits shooting a gun within 1,000 feet of a school during operating hours or events, and requires universities to adopt specified emergency response plans and promote an app for reporting suspicious activity."
Florida's legislature passed a bill enabling faculty and staff at the state's colleges and universities to train as armed guardians and carry firearms on campus, pending Governor Ron DeSantis's approval. The $6 million program expands an existing K-12 guardian program implemented after the 2018 Parkland shooting. The initiative follows a 2023 shooting at Florida State University that killed two people. Guardians must complete 144 hours of training, including 132 hours of firearm instruction and 12 hours of de-escalation tactics, undergo psychological evaluation, and submit to random drug tests. The bill prohibits shooting within 1,000 feet of schools during operating hours and requires universities to adopt emergency response plans and promote a suspicious activity reporting app. Supporters argue the program enhances campus safety, while opponents contend additional firearms increase risk. At least 14 other states already permit firearms on public college campuses.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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