01/24/2024
H415 introduced by Rep Hill has moved to the senate floor. During the hearing Reb. Young and Rep. Crane mentioned that dozens of Idahoans support this bill. As you can see, thousands of Idahoans showed up to protest gun violence at Idaho’s March for Our Lives rally. This bill allows teachers, staff, and substitutes to conceal, and carry guns in schools without the school board’s involvement. Representative Hill, has introduced this bill, but it appears that it is generated by an NRA lobbyists. Why do we need outsiders writing laws that affect Idaho? To the committee that heard this bill, have you ever had to rehearse your death? Have you had to create a lockdown action plan, where the lives of 30+ children are in your hands? Have you had to learn to pack bullet wounds and tie tourniquets? Educators are not in the military, they are not medical profession, and they are not law enforcement.
H415 is dangerous, ill-advised, irresponsible, and puts Idaho children, educators, counselors, and supporting staff at risk. While safety is paramount, introducing fi****ms into an educational environment brings about complexities and risks that could potentially escalate rather than mitigate dangerous situations. Teachers are already looking after the minds, well-being, and development of our children every single day. Now they should try and navigate this while being armed? Teachers are here to usher in learning and to expand a child’s mind. A gun has no place in the classroom. Idaho’s education system is struggling, we are all aware of this, and giving our teachers guns is only going to weaken our strength as a state. How many educators will flee the state? How many future teachers will turn to other professions in the face of H415?
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