Massachusetts Leaders Say Gun Laws Prevent School Shootings

We had a spirited discussion on my Tuesday program about how to make schools on the SouthCoast safer from mass shooters. The discussion centered around arming teachers and other school employees, who are licensed, trained, and willing to defend their schools should they come under fire.

There has never been a consensus in favor of arming school employees when we've had these discussions, usually right after a school shooting, and Tuesday's program was no different.

The majority of callers seem to support metal detectors and armed security officers in the schools, but they remain hesitant about actually arming the teachers.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill that gives local school districts the authority to decide if they want to arm school teachers.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts officials seem focused on gun control to avert a school shooting incident.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy are forming a coalition of six to 10 governors to discuss possible state and local solutions to the problem of mass school shootings. Hutchinson is the chair of the National Governor's Association, and Murphy is vice-chair.

The Association has written a letter to President Biden to inform him of its plans.

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Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker told State House News Service he plans to contact Hutchinson.

"I've talked to him before about gun control here in the commonwealth and the nature of a lot of the legislation that's been passed over the last 10 or 15 years," Baker said.

Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said other states need to adopt some gun laws enacted in Massachusetts to address school shootings.

"We all would be a hell of a lot safer and our children would be safer if the other states did that," Spilka told the SHNS.

It appears as though some Massachusetts politicians believe stricter gun laws will prevent school shootings, while many of my listeners think tighter school security should be the priority.

I've invited Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson and New Bedford Police Officer and School Committeeman Chris Cotter to weigh in but have not yet received a response from either.

I will include any remarks I receive from them in an update to this article.

What do you think would keep more Massachusetts schools safe from mass shootings, more gun laws or tighter school security?