As of Dec. 1, approved teachers, staff, and volunteers can carry concealed handguns or stun guns in North Carolina private schools.
House Bill 193 became law in July after Republican lawmakers overrode a veto by Democratic Governor Josh Stein, Campus Safety previously reported. HB 193 also permits individuals attending religious services to carry a gun if the private school is connected to a place of worship.
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The law requires armed individuals to have written authorization from the school’s board of trustees or administrative director, hold a valid concealed handgun permit, and complete eight hours of annual training in gun safety and appropriate firearm use. Schools that choose to allow concealed weapons must also establish written standard operating procedures and share them with parents annually.
Proponents of the law argue that arming staff provides private schools with a critical tool to enhance security in the event of emergencies, such as school shootings. They also argue it provides smaller campuses with an affordable security option.
Rep. Jeff McNeely, who introduced the bill, said private schools in his district struggle with security costs and that the law represents common sense legislation protecting Second Amendment and private property rights, WCNC reports.
Opponents argue the law increases chances of accidental discharges and vulnerability during emergencies. Lisa Crawford with Moms of Murdered Offspring, a North Carolina-based victims’ rights organization, told WCNC that the policy remains a gamble despite the training requirements..
“It’s just more guns in an environment where we want it to be gun-free,” she said.
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Becky Ceartas, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, told WCNC she is concerned about how law enforcement would distinguish between an armed volunteer and an active shooter during an emergency.
“When law enforcement does show up to the scene if it’s an active shooter situation, how are they supposed to know who the active shooter is versus who is this person who’s gotten written permission?” she said. “If we’re looking at making investments, we need look at investing in mental health professionals, perhaps extra screening to make sure kids are not bringing guns into the school.”
More than 30 states allow teachers to carry guns under certain conditions. Check out the list here.
