AUSTIN -
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst wants the Texas Senate to consider his proposal for school safety. He has called for a state-funded specialized firearms training for teachers and administrators to prevent and protect against school shootings.
Dewhurst said school districts are free to accept or decline the training, which is said to be more extensive than what is currently required for a Texas concealed handgun license. The training will also include how to react properly in an active shooter situation on a school campus.
Central Texas residents had mixed thoughts about the proposed training, but they all agree that something needs to be done.
Former teacher Gwendolyn Singleton-Wright spoke with News Channel 25 about Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst's proposal.
"If they have security from one end of the school to the next, that should be enough, and that way they can do their jobs as teachers," explains Singleton-Wright. "You can't do your job fully if you've got a handgun in the classroom and another child can get a hold of it."
Central Texas resident Ellis Hilliard agrees with Lieutenant Governor Dewhurt's proposition, and believes knowing people are armed will prevent violence in the schools.
"I do believe that the knowledge that there is a gun there, people are less likely to commit crimes in that area. And if you have a responsible person, they can possibly save lives."
Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst also sent out a letter asking for the Texas Senate to consider various safety proposals in addition to his.
