[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1654]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             SCHOOL SAFETY

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                         HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the important issue 
of school safety. The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut shocked and 
saddened us all. We must learn from this deplorable incident so our 
children and educators know their school is the one place they should 
feel the safest.
   As we grapple with Newtown and other school tragedies, we have to 
discuss how these incidents could have been prevented and what steps 
should be taken to prevent something like Sandy Hook from happening 
again. As a former federal law enforcement agent, I recognize that our 
schools must be safe and secure, and I welcome this important 
discussion. I strongly believe that we must examine ways we can protect 
our schools through responsible security protocols, barriers, and 
training.
   However, I must share my objection to the idea of allowing educators 
to carry weapons in schools. As a supporter of the Second Amendment, my 
objection has nothing to do with gun rights. I object to this proposal 
because our schools are--and must remain--a safe haven for teaching and 
learning. School administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses and the 
many other support professionals all have unique roles and 
responsibilities for ensuring a productive learning environment for 
children in their schools. We should not diminish the importance of 
allowing teachers to teach, principals to lead, and counselors and 
nurses to care by also asking that they serve as armed security.

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