South Dakota to allow armed teachers in schools

The US state of South Dakota has enacted a law allowing school districts to arm teachers and other school staff.  The law's backers say it will prevent mass school shootings like a December massacre in Connecticut that killed 26.

Amid a push by the White House to strengthen gun laws, the bill reflects a growing divide in the US over whether more or fewer guns keep people safe. The measure does not force school districts to arm teachers and will not require teachers to carry guns. But it allows each school district to choose if staff could be armed. It takes effect in July.

Under the Republican-sponsored bill, school staff given permission to carry firearms on campus will be known as "school sentinels". The state has given a law enforcement commission the task of establishing a training program for the sentinels.

Several representatives of school boards, teachers and other staff spoke against the bill in legislative hearings, arguing guns would make schools more dangerous. But sponsor Representative Scott Craig said this week he had heard from a number of school officials who back it. Mr. Craig said rural districts do not have the money to hire full-time police officers.

Geeze Louise! Folks, this is not the way to discourage violence. You are perpetuating it .You are teaching the children that this is the way to live. This is how to conduct yourself...carry a gun because there are people waiting to kill you. Not only are you terrifying them with regards to the outside world, you are making mass killers seem to be a constant threat instead of an aberration. You are making them feel like targets and presenting the world as a violent place; a very negative image. They should see the world as a wonderful place; a place of beauty and of opportunity. They should be eagerly looking forward to taking their place in it. You have a choice. Opt not to do this... please.