KC Teachers Union says when it comes to student safety - teachers need help, not guns
An area teachers union says teachers need more help - but not in the form of guns.
An area teachers union says teachers need more help - but not in the form of guns.
An area teachers union says teachers need more help - but not in the form of guns.
The American Federation of Teachers put out a strong statement Thursday condemning gun violence, but also condemning any move to arm teachers.
The head of the Kansas City Federation of Teachers - Local 691 - says guns are not the answer.
"When you listen to the students and the families, it's heartbreaking," said Andrea Flinders. "It shouldn't happen in this country. It shouldn't happen in our schools."
Flinders watched Wednesday as survivors of last week's school shooting demanded action to make schools safer.
One suggestion - arm teachers in the classroom.
The union says teachers need more help - but not guns.
"Teachers have so many responsibilities the way it is," said Flinders. "I think instead of arming our teachers with guns, we need to arm them with more resources. And I think things like more security officers to be present in our buildings."
Supporters of guns in the classroom insist they could better protect the students they love.
We asked Flinders if she thought there were teachers in our area who also felt that way.
"Yes. There are teachers even in Kansas City who do feel that way. And I understand that," she said. "I understand that fear, and that they want to protect their students."
In the Kansas City, Missouri School District, all junior high and high schools have metal detectors.
Flinders feels that's a a more practical solution.
Either way, she hates seeing students live in fear.
"It breaks my heart. It's not what should be happening."