This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I was discouraged by Benjamin Wood's article ("Poll says Utahns OK with armed teachers," Sept. 23). Once again the take-home message is that where our schools are concerned, our Legislature is unlikely to listen to the wishes of their constituents. Even though a majority of Utah parents would like to know if their child's teacher has a gun in the classroom, the Utah Legislature didn't even bother to give this issue a committee hearing when it came up in 2013. What's a parent to do?
Here's an idea. SEP (parent/teacher) conferences are fast approaching. Although your school's principal is not allowed to ask which teachers are carrying guns in the classroom, there's nothing to stop you, as a parent, from asking and following up with the school's administration if you are concerned about your child's safety.
You can contact your legislator, too. But, given how long we've waited for them to spend more money on education in Utah, don't hold your breath. I'm guessing it will take some kind of horrific school incident to get their attention on this issue.
Nancy Halden
Sandy