A North Carolina bill would let armed volunteers carry guns at private schools. Supporters say it boosts safety, but critics warn it could backfire.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina bill would allow approved employees and armed volunteers to carry guns on private school campuses, with the goal of improving student safety.
Supporters said it would increase security without costing taxpayers, while critics warned it could make things worse.
Two versions of the bill, House and Senate, are moving through the legislature. Volunteers would need a concealed carry permit and eight hours of training every year.
Guilford County Rep. Tracy Clark said the bill is dangerous.
“There’s no background check or check of their mental health. We are allowing this to make our schools more dangerous by allowing anyone 18 and up, if House Bill 5 passes, to bring guns onto school campuses. It’s absolutely terrifying,” Clark said.
Supporters said schools need more security options, especially private ones without public funding. Typically, private schools don’t have SROs.
They argue volunteers could step in when other resources fall short, saying it could help stop a shooter faster.
In a statement on social media, bill sponsor Sen. Steve Jarvis said, “Private schools deserve the Right to keep their students & staff Safe! Support S280 to empower schools with the tools they need to protect their communities.”
However, Rep. Julie von Haefen said more guns in classrooms bring more stress, not safety. She’s a mom of three and also a substitute teacher.
“I have three teenagers myself who grew up in that generation, you know, after Columbine, of always having this threat, you know, hanging over their heads … And I’ve never heard one student say that the solution is more guns. I’ve never heard one student say to me, ‘Well, if we just had our teachers armed, I would feel a lot safer,'” von Haefen said.
Both Clark and von Haefen urge investing in more counselors and after-school programs to curb violence.
“More therapists and counselors, and nurses to really focus on mental health in our schools,” said Clark.
“Getting to the heart of like, why are kids turning to violence? Why do they not feel that they have people to talk to?” said von Haefen.
For the past two days, WFMY News 2 reached out to Republican lawmakers for comment but didn’t hear back.
The Senate bill, S280, is sitting in committee. The House version, HB193, passed its third reading last week.
Both have a ways to go before they can become law.
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