The state of Kansas prohibits firearms to be on school property. Senior Freddy Haines fears this rule would not keep us safe if the school were attacked.

Haines wishes veterans could guard the school doors, armed with weapons, so they could stop an attacker if necessary.

“I’d feel safer if an attacker came to school with a gun and only two people would die instead 30,” Haines said. “I would also feel safer if teachers could conceal and carry.”

Haines feels that if there ever was an attacker, the situation would be fight or flight.

“In the event of an attacker, it all comes down to if you’re going to run or try to stop it from happening,” Haines said. “I don’t just want to be locked in a room waiting to die.”

Haines thinks the school should offer personal defense classes.

“Defending yourself is a basic skill,” Haines said. “In theory, if an attacker came I’d like to try to stop it.”

Haines owns many guns himself, but they are mainly used for hunting.

“I don’t think students should be allowed to bring guns to school,” Haines said. “I know people think they are responsible, but there’s always going to be a bad egg in the group.”

Haines believes owning a gun takes a lot of responsibility, and people don’t understand that and it may cause fear of firearms.

“I think if a student brings a gun to school, I think a 186-day expulsion period may be a little too much,” Haines said. “Such as a simple accident that you forget your hunting shotgun in your truck. But I know there are serious cases as well, like someone with bad intentions. But the punishment should not be expulsion, maybe a talk from the police and OSS.”

Haines believes guns are a very serious matter, and his opinion can be voiced out by others.

“People are more afraid of guns than other things because guns are meant to harm animals or people,” Haines said. “Theoretically, cars are just as dangerous. The guy in Paris who plowed through a crowd of people did just as much damage as the man with a gun. Our country was built on the Second Amendment so we could have the First Amendment. I think guns are a right that have been rooted very deep into this country today.”

17kbrooks@usd489.com