Thread by @rpetty

A set of proposals to protect schools from horrific attacks, mirroring much of what we’ve done in Florida. To this list I would add allowing qualified school staff to carry firearms to protect themselves and students. Here’s why that’s so important 👇 1/nationalreview.com/2022/05/there-…

Since the year 2000, there has yet to be a single case of someone being wounded or killed from a shooting, let alone a mass public shooting, between 6:00 AM and midnight at a school that lets teachers carry guns. 2/ newsweek.com/democrats-focu…

People fear teachers irresponsibly using guns or students obtaining a teacher's gun. But none of that has happened. There has been only one accidental discharge by a teacher in recent years, and that was outside of school hours. 3/

In Florida, we have the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian program with rigorous training requirements. I’ve been through the training. It was tough and Guardians are required to pass marksmanship training with a higher proficiency score than law enforcement. 4/

Many will question ‘Red Flag’ laws and I have my concerns. Due process, how & at what level these laws are crafted, alternatives like the Baker Act which are already in place. But we learned that in Florida the Baker Act doesn’t always work. 5/

First, no federal red flag law should ever be established. Ever. In recent years, Federal law enforcement has become politicized and weaponized to attack political opponents. Imagine if they had the power to more easily confiscate weapons. 6/

Second, many in the #2A, raise valid concerns about due process and Dr. Lott’s research (see link above) challenges the efficacy of red flag laws in combating suicide, the primary statistic of deaths by firearms in the US. 7/

I share these due process concerns, and wonder what other protections we could put in place? Would you ever be comfortable with a red flag law in your state? Share your thoughts. 19 States have red flag laws today. 8/

So. No magic fix. Keeping schools safe is a massive task. It requires vision, leadership, dedication, good communication, training and vigilance. 9/

Take a look at what Florida has done and is doing after Parkland (we’re always improving). I believe Florida is a model for the rest of the country (in more than just school safety) 10/ fldoe.org/safe-schools/i…

I’ll end by thanking the dedicated people who work together to make Florida schools safer. Law enforcement, Guardians, district staff, counselors, teachers, parents and our students. A very special thanks to our legislators and Governor for their leadership and vision. End/