Guns on Campus
Recently, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District indicated that certain staff members are allowed to keep weapons on campus. However, a KCRA 3 News report (see below) indicated that teachers cannot carry concealed weapons. There seems to be a growing debate as to the pros and cons of weapons on campus. Further, it has sparked heated conversations in our community.
Because rumors have been swirling about guns on campus in the 33-school Folsom Cordova Unified School District, the following statement was released by Superintendent Deborah Bettencourt.
“The safety of our students, staff, and families is our number one priority, and our narrow practice of allowing select, law abiding employees to securely store and access a firearm in the event of an emergency is a legal and appropriate safety measure given the unfortunate reality of violence in our society today.”
We are learning that concealed-carry weapons have been on campus for several years. The decision was derived from an emergency preparation plan with employees and the school board. It also included discussions with the police.
Staff members must have a valid concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. They must also attend continuous training — more than a CCW permit requires.
Staff cannot disclose who is permitted to carry a weapon. This is kept secret for obvious safety reasons. Additionally, district staff would not describe where the weapons are kept or on which campuses. They did indicate that guns are stored safely using double-locked devices.
What must Parents say about Folsom, Cordova Unified School District Policy?
Parents have conflicting opinions regarding the policy. For more information about this story or to chime in, continue reading.
- Folsom, Rancho Cordova Schools Allow Select Staff to Carry Guns, by our friends at KCRA 3 News.
Watch the YouTube video below: KCRA anchor claims some parents are shocked about guns on campus.
What About Guns in the Home?
Many of us have heard the saying that more Americans keep guns in their homes than pet dogs. A gun in the home can be a dangerous practice especially in homes where children reside. Each year, more than 500 children (under the age of 18) are fatally wounded by guns. Many more sustain severe gunshot wounds. The best way to prevent and possibly eliminate gun-related occurrences is to not keep a gun in the home. But, should you choose to remain armed in your home, you should always use a highly-rated gun lock. Or, use a locked gun safe and keep the gun unloaded. Always store ammunition separately for an extra level of protection.
Gun Injury Statistics
Boys are more often hurt or killed in unintentional shootings compared to girls. Often, the shooter is a relative. Usually, a brother or sometimes a friend. About fifty percent of the fatalities happen within the victim’s home, and the rest usually occur at the home of a relative or friend.
Do not think for a minute that your child does not know where you store your gun or that he or she is incapable of firing a weapon. A 3-year-old is strong enough to pull the trigger of a gun. Never assume a child will know the difference between a toy gun and a real gun. Young kids are 1) inquisitive, 2) unable to comprehend the long-term consequences of their actions, and 3) often lacking impulse control. Factors like these, combined with access to a firearm, can result in the unthinkable.
Do not assume that BB, pellet, or paintball guns are safe. These air pistols cause more than 20,000 injuries per year.
Before you let your child visit a relative or friend’s home, be sure to ask whether there is a gun in the home. Don’t be embarrassed to ask. It is better to be safe than sorry. If there is a gun in the home, you can investigate how those guns are locked, stored, and kept safely. Never leave a child in a home unsupervised where guns are present.
Responsible gun ownership can prevent so many senseless tragedies. We were devastated to read about the South Sacramento two-year-old who shot herself in the face with a gun while visiting the home of her mother’s friend. It is our fervent hope that we never have to learn about another child being injured or losing his or her life in this heartbreaking manner.
Folsom Personal Injury Lawyer
Ed Smith is a Folsom Personal Injury Attorney. He has helped those who have been seriously hurt in Folsom and Rancho Cordova. Give him a call to discuss your case. He has assisted folks injured in serious car crashes, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other personal injury-related matters caused by the negligent acts of others. Ed Smith can be reached today at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice. Elsewhere, call him toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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Guns on Campus? – Source: KCRA 3 News
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