Imagine a world where walking into an educational building feels no different than walking into a correctional facility. In many regards, if one were to feel such a way in the modern day, it would be completely reasonable. Both institutions contain a diverse group of individuals of different height, weight, race, ethnicity, country of origin, and sexual orientation. Both, at least in regards to a public school, are funded and run by the government. Both have a “lockdown” system in case a criminal decides to cause trouble. Yet the NRA has suggested that schools do something that would nearly destroy the thin, yet very distinguishable, barrier between these two systems: place an armed security guard at every school in the country.
In light of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook, it is quite evident that something must be done, but sensationalizing this tragedy in an attempt to impose unrealistic and unnecessary security measures is not the right approach. While the Scholium staff expressed different reasons to object to the NRA’s plan, it agreed that in its essence, the plan is flawed and unworkable.
First and foremost, who is to oversee and fund this major undertaking? There are approximately 250,000 schools in the United States. Assuming each school is given one security official that was paid minimum wage—an unrealistically low salary—and only works during school hours, and not over the summer, it would cost upwards of $16.875 billion a year, given a weekly salary of $250 and a “school year” of 270 days. This does not include the salaries of those who would oversee the project and the money that private schools would have to expend. More importantly, many schools would need more than one officer, each paid above minimum wage, to work outside of school hours and during the summer when there are many camps and other programs at these schools.
Second of all, how are we to trust those hired to fulfill this daunting task? Are we to simply find 250,000 extremely trustworthy people? Of course, with the national unemployment as it is, there are many candidates for the job, but if it were these people that would be hired, they would have more incentive to work for the money as opposed to working to provide the utmost protection. Moreover, from the perspective of each individual community, it is nearly impossible to find an officer that would be trusted by every member of the community and to do so 250,000 times nationwide. It is also very possible that someone within the school community would commit a crime. Such a person would be able to bypass these security guards without question as to his or her identity. While the officers may eventually realize the true motives of such an individual, they would not be able to do so until damage is already done.
Finally, it is difficult to ascertain that one armed guard would be enough to stop a deranged individual. Mark Kelly, husband of Gabrielle Giffords and an ardent supporter of the second amendment, told Piers Morgan that he believes such a guard would not be able to stop someone armed with a semi-automatic weapon and a high capacity magazine. After all, Columbine High School had an armed guard. It is very likely the armed guard would easily become Victim #1.
The NRA’s suggestion also begs the question, when will it end? In the last year, mass shootings have occurred in malls, churches, and movie theaters as well. Do we need an armed guard at every public place? Would that really make the nation safer?
While there are many feasible solutions to this controversial issue, the NRA’s suggestion is not one of them. Students, faculty, and parents alike should communicate with their local governmental representatives to prevent schools from hiring armed guards and engendering a prison-like environment. Although actions must be taken to make it more difficult for tragedies like Sandy Hook to occur, the Scholium staff feels that the NRA’s proposed response is not the type of action our country needs.

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