School Marshals

In "The Rise of Armed Teachers" by Maurice Chammah, the author explains who should take on the responsibilities of protecting our youth while they are away from OUR protection and in school learning. Maurice explains what Texas government is doing to step up security and safety in Texas public schools, ranging from hiring more campus police to training school employees to conceal carry. The article talks about the rigorous training and tests the employees must complete as well as psychological exams that are taken by police officers. I completely agree with the measures that are being taken and I think schools are doing a good job and are making wise choices to protect our youth. I also agree with the process of choosing who gets to conceal carry. I am glad that they have to take exams in order to find out if they are qualified to carry a weapon because not everyone can handle shooting a gun. Especially when it comes to having to use it against other children or teenagers because sometimes they are the ones who are the enemy. The article stated that while in training, the people were nervous. The only stress they had were cameras and journalists. When the day comes that they have to use the gun in an actual threatened school situation there will definitely be stress, so it's good that they get the chance to practice.
 I disagree with the Villalba Schools Marshal Program stating that the gun should be locked up but in "immediate reach." I believe that it should be "conceal carried" meaning that it is on the person at all times. If something happens while the teacher is out of the classroom or teaching in front of the class away from their desk, they need an immediate access to their gun and being locked away is not immediate access. Since the identity of the school marshals are kept anonymous regardless, it should not make a difference whether it is hidden in "immediate reach" or on their person. I believe the author aims to present a positive view of the new school gun laws that protect our education. He has many supporting claims for the use of weapons and he also mentions the possible downfall of the system. After reading this article, the authors intended audience as well as I, believe it is a good idea to designate school marshals.