Politics over solutions? Teacher priorities for safer schools differ from students
Bottom Line: A couple of weeks ago I shared the first accredited research released sharing the perspective of what students thought would make their school safer. Here's a recap of the findings from the Pew Research Center.
- #1: Preventing those with mental health issues from legally owning a firearm
- #2: Improving mental health screening and treatment
- #3: Metal detectors
- #4: Additional gun control
- #5: Allowing armed school staff
Gallup just wrapped up their own research and they surveyed only teachers. Here's their top five priority list:
- #1: Additional gun control
- #2: Banning "assault weapons"
- #3: Additional mental healthcare for students
- #4: Enhanced security at schools (bullet proof door, windows/guards)
- #5: Improved mental health screening prior to legally purchasing a firearm
You'll notice a contrast. But here's the thing. As I cited at the time I shared the student research. Only one of the in-school shootings this year included a gun that was legally purchased (Nikolas Cruz). The top suggestion that had a credible of stopping all shootings was the third suggestion by the students. Metal detectors. That one didn't show up as a priority for teachers but clearly a desire for extensive gun control did. I found it interesting how the priorities for security differ and it leads me to wonder if politics plays a prominent role. With most teachers being unionized and over 90% of teacher unions using money for political purposes favoring Democrats and left-leaning causes generally – is that clouding their view as they play a prominent role in next steps for improving school security?