From the Star Telegram:
By Mark Agee
When classes start Aug. 25 at the tiny Harrold school district, there will be one distinct difference from years prior — some of the teachers may have guns.This is a school administrator who truly has his students safety as a priority. You know what? I can just about bet you that these kids are getting an above average education at this school. My hat is off to these folks, they are in for a media avalanche from the anti's, but they are doing what is right.
To deter and protect against school shootings, trustees have altered district policy to allow employees to carry concealed weapons if they have permits. The 110-student district lies 150 miles northwest of Fort Worth on the eastern end of Wilbarger County, near the Oklahoma border...
...Harrold Superintendent David Thweatt said a main concern was that the small community is a 30-minute drive from the county sheriff’s office, leaving students and teachers without protection.
Although Harrold is a small town, the district’s campus sits 500 feet from heavily trafficked U.S. 287, which could make it a target, he said.
But isn't concealed carry on a school premises illegal in the State of Texas?
Let me pull out the law for you.
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46
§ 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED.The bolding is mine. So you see, the school administration is entirely within it's rights to allow CHL carry on the premises.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;
I am very proud of this Texas school district and would feel very secure in sending my children there.
I do have one question though. Would CHL holding parents also be allowed to carry on the campus?
A very large H/T to Texas Fred, who beat me to it on this one.
10 comments:
Mighta beat ya this time, not too often that happens...
But I did share it.. :)
I sent the administrator an e-mail thanking him for his courage in making that decision, and letting him know that even though he was likely to get a lot of criticism, there are those of us who support him in it.
Good job Phillip, I think he is going to need all the support he can get.
Notice how the Only Ones hate the idea of anyone else protecting children or themselves, unless they carry a badge.
I am glad that there are still sane thoughtful people in the world, although I am sure Child Protective Services in Texas will shudder a little bit.
Here's the number is anyone wants to call and thank the superintendent and the school school board for a decision to help keep the children safe. "Now where have we heard that before".
Harrold Independent School District
PO Box 400
Harrold, TX 76364
940-886-2213
It also seems to pass muster under 18USC922 § (2)(B)(ii) and (2)(B)(v)! Bravo!
That is really cool! I wish more school districts would do the same.
J.R.
Send an email to Mr. Thweatt about the district's decision and I received a reply; shown below.
Bob,
Thank you for your supportive email. I have and will be sharing your thoughts with my staff and board of trustees. Your email was one of the many positive emails I have received—I’ve only received about three negatives out of about fifty. Please encourage others to stand up for the American values that have made the country great—taking responsibility for ourselves and protecting the lives of our innocents who are not able to defend themselves.
God Bless America, and God bless you for your thoughtfulness,
David Thweatt
Superintendent
Harrold ISD--Texas
Way too cool to get a response, especially noting the few negative replies.
I am absolutely extatic about this. Being a former officer and most recently a School Resource Officer, I welcome the day when the message is sent to would be assailants, "At your own peril."
I may begin to lobby for other districts and educational facilities to follow suit. Had Virginia Tech had such a policy in place, I have no doubt that many lives would have been saved. Carrying concealed is one thing, but letting the general public be aware that the practice is being adopted and supported is a terrific way to prevent needless acts of violence. Bravo!!! Mr. Thweatt, bravo.
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