School shooting survivor begs Nebraska lawmakers not to arm teachers

A bill in Nebraska allowing teachers and other school staff to carry firearms in a bid to deter school shootings has drawn opposition fromshooting survivors.

The Legislative Bill, 1339, introduced by statesenator Tom Brewer, authorises school governing bodies and other education institutions to adopt policies allowing qualified personnel to carry firearms on school property and during school events.

Introduced by Mr Brewer on 17 January, along with 28 other senators, it also removes criminal sanctions for off-duty and retired law enforcement officers carrying weapons on school grounds and encourages schools to provide mapping data to public safety agencies during emergency response.

“I don’t want children to die,” Mr Brewer, a long-time gun rights advocate, said during the introduction of the bill.

However, opponents of the bill, including parents and educators, argue that it poses a significant danger to students and school staff, with some arguing that arming staff could act as an incentive for those shooters who are suicidal.

Tim Royers, president of the Millard Education Association and school shooting survivor from 13 years ago, gave an emotional testimony arguing against the proposals in the bill.

Mr Royers was in his school’s lunchroom overseeing students on 5 January 2011, when someone announced over the school’s speakers, «Code Red».

He and other teachers scrambled to gather as many students as possible and search for a room in which to hide.

«I will never forget the looks on those students’ faces,» he said.

Authorities later said that a 17-year-old student – the son of an Omaha police detective – had been suspended from Millard South High School, but he returned that same day with his father’s service