Guns

What Could Go Wrong? Damn Near Everything

RunScissors

Lawmakers in Texas will consider a bill that would grant immunity to teachers who use “deadly force” in their classrooms or even on a school bus. But this ludicrous legislation would go beyond self-defense.

via ThinkProgress

H.B. 868, also known as the Teacher’s Protection Act, would authorize instructors to use “force or deadly force on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event in defense of the educator’s person or in defense of students of the school that employs the educator.” Instructors would also have the right to use deadly force “in defense of property of the school that employs the educator.” Moreover, civil immunity would be granted to those who use deadly force, meaning they would not be liable for the injury or death of student.

I doubt you could find many people who would tell you that teachers should not be allowed to defend themselves or their students, but the implications of this legislation clearly go far beyond self-defense.

“Deadly force” and “classroom” do not belong in the same sentence together and neither does “deadly force” and “school bus,” but the idea that teachers should be permitted to use deadly force to protect school property is certifiably insane.

It would be enough to say that no piece of property is worth a life, but you also have to consider that property could refer to almost anything owned by the school. Furthermore, not all teachers are created equal and the judgment of one may not be the judgment of all. Who will judge if defacing school property with graffiti or breaking a window is punishable by death?

Why the fuck are we even discussing this?