No guns in schools

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As a head custodian in an elementary school, I am frequently asked if I currently have, or am going to obtain, a concealed weapons permit. The answer is, simply, no.

I have been a gun owner all my life, but the thought of guns in an elementary school frightens me. The unforeseen possible scenarios for an accidental shooting far outweigh the chances of a random shooting.

I understand the knee-jerk reaction to the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. As a parent, I want my children and grandchildren as safe as possible. Arming faculty and staff is not the logical answer.

I am committed to the safety of every child, faculty and staff member at my school. No one would be safer there with the presence of a firearm.

Tom Allred

Lehi