SC public school employees could be allowed to carry guns in schools

SOUTH CAROLINA — South Carolina lawmakers are thinking of letting teachers carry guns at school.

A Florence representative, Phillip Lowe, is sponsoring the bill in the state House.

This bill is in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut last week that left 26 dead, including 20 children.

York County representative Ralph Norman thinks arming teachers could help. He said, "On the surface ... it appears to be something that may work."

He said they'd have to work out a lot of the details to make sure those guns don't fall into the wrong hands. That's what Doug Barron is worried about.

Barron said, "If someone overpowered a teacher, then they'd have access to their weapon as well."

His friend, Joey Coffineau, said, "I think that's a horrible idea, purposely bringing handguns into a school."

Channel 9 read the proposed law and it would only allow school employees to carry if they already have a concealed weapon permit...that local school board approves...the worker uses certain bullets that shatter instead of ricochet...they tell the principal...and the employees don't have a history of violence.

But soon-to-be teacher Jessica Anderson doesn't think she should be allowed to bring a weapon in her classroom.

She said, "I don't think having guns in the classroom would help at all."

Parents like Betsy Woodlief can see why lawmakers would go this route and she may agree, but wants to give it more thought. She said, "I thought it was interesting, but I don't really know what my comfort level is with that."

As for North Carolina, a group called Grass Roots North Carolina plans to push for similar legislation in Raleigh after the holidays.

For more information on this bill, click here.

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