Date: 5/24/2018
In the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting, gun control and gun rights activists were activated and began their respective marches. One side calling for policies that remove and restrict access to firearms and the other calling for laws that prevent the illegal obtainment of firearms by prohibited people and protecting institutions that have minimal security.
My heart breaks (again) for the utter disregard for life we saw last week. This recent shooting in Santa Fe cannot simply be a rallying cry for competing organizations. We need to deal with this phenomenon head on, because every single day I have an increasingly difficult time convincing my wife and kids that I will be safe work.
I am a mental health clinician in a Holyoke middle school and work with students struggling with mental illness. I’ve spoken to teachers, I’ve spoken to school resource officers, and I’ve spoken to parents and students.
As politicians and news personalities argue over policies that would not have prevented the recent shootings and only target lawful firearm owners, I’m calling for actionable steps that send us home each day.
1.(strongly) Encourage school board/committees to craft policy that allows lawful gun owners who work in schools to volunteer to get additional targeted and ongoing training that allows them conceal carry while on school grounds.
2. The state legislature must draft a bill that prevents gun charges from being removed or reduced (plea deals) in the courts. District Attorneys already have discretion and should adopt this practice immediately.
3. Entrances to the school buildings should be alarmed and give school administrators and police real time data on location of an opened door.
4. Provide federal tax incentives to purchase a gun safe. Some states already provide this.
5. Have at least one trained, armed security personnel or police officer on grounds at each school the entire day.
6. Provide access for mental health professionals so we can draw on all the resources available to the state in an expedited fashion for high priority clients.
The solution to people deciding to break multiple firearm laws is not creating new laws that only effect lawful gun owners. The solution must be nuanced and driven by the immediate and long term needs of those directly impacted.
I and anyone who spends their day in schools are on the front lines. I will continue to do my part to identify and help individuals suffering from mental illness. Educators will continue to do their part and teach our children to be intelligent, productive adults. Students will do their part and be in their seats, ready to learn each day. Can our leaders do their part and provide adequate security for us all? Not tomorrow, not in 6 months. Today.
Kency Gilet, MS
Springfield
