According to a Washington Post database, there have been 17 school shootings since the start of 2023. In response to these incidents, Oklahoma has now advanced a bill to reduce requirements for teachers to carry firearms in the classroom.
In Oklahoma, a teacher can have a firearm if they have gone through training and received a concealed carry permit.
There was recently an alert sent out about an active shooter on the campus at the University of Oklahoma. Students were asked to shelter in place after OU campus safety reported, “OUPD is investigating possible shots fired on Norman Campus. Avoid South Oval area.” Students in Langston University group chats sent out tworried texts to the people over at the University of Oklahoma; many Langston students know OU students. Norman is located an hour from the LU campus and the students here are aware that a shooting could occur here at any moment. The OU safety twitter account also posted “there is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run, Hide. Fight!” Just by reading this post it could make somebody very fearful. This is not the post anyone would want to read while trying to figure out their next safety steps. If anything, it adds more fuel to the fire.
As a student, I know being in this situation can be very scary. It is only the fourth month of the year. Counting the most recent shooting in Nashville, there have been at least 39 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 18 deaths. Today, kids fear for their lives when going somewhere they should feel safe. The last thing on a college student’s mind should be worrying about watching their backs from a shooter.
Some schools may soon have metal detectors put in place to ensure the safety of students. One gun law in Oklahoma states that people are now authorized to legally purchase and carry a firearm if they are at least 21 years of age. In 2021, Langston University investigated gunshots that were heard on campus. There was also a rifle found lying on a sidewalk near the scene. Many students and parents were very much concerned for their safety at that moment. An unnamed parent says, “That’s not enjoyable in your life when you’re a student in college trying to get an education.” I am sure plenty of others agree with this opinion made.
It is unclear how new guns laws may affect the way teachers feel about their safety. If they take the opportunity to carry their weapon just in case of emergencies, some students may feel a little more eased. Meanwhile some students might not like the idea of a deadly weapon in the same room as them. With four months into the year and already 17 school shooting, I am sure there are more to come. Administration and school police departments must do everything in their power to ensure the safety of the students.
Taniya Mcqueen
Staff Writer
Taniya Mcqueen is a sophomore broadcast journalism major.
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