Proposal to arm teachers moves forward in Florida Senate, despite opposition

A proposal to arm teachers advanced along party lines in the Florida Senate Tuesday, despite opposition from students and educators who say it won’t make schools safer and could put children in harm’s way.

A Senate panel approved the measure in a 5-3 vote — just over a year after a gunman opened fired at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and killed 17 students and staff.

Teachers would be allowed to voluntarily carry guns if they complete training and local school boards agree.

Republicans said allowing teachers to carry guns could save lives when most mass shootings are over in minutes, while Democrats argued professional security — not teachers — should be responsible for protecting schools.