School Safety – The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) is deeply committed to improving the protection of Iowa’s students and educators. This topic has been an IFC priority for several years and we have weighed the advantages and limitations of the various security options currently being discussed. The issue is complex and multifaceted, and we can’t offer a single, definitive answer. However, IFC believes we can help you explore some different perspectives and consider potential next steps.
Don’t unnecessarily limit the options: The current discussion seems limited to certain approaches like SROs and/or armed staff. It’s important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of being limited to only these options, as well as the extent to which insurance company pressure is an inhibiting or determining factor
Invisible fence of protection (?): The current primary concept of school security seems to be that by prohibiting responsible adults from possessing normal tools of self-defense (principally firearms) anywhere on the property of a school, we have erected an invisible fence of protection for those children and staff within. But one must question the rationale behind this choice and whether it truly serves the best interests of safety. In fact, the “honor system” Iowa uses in schools now places everyone within them at risk. Stickers and signs announcing a “Gun Free Zone” deter only the law abiding, not those with evil intent. In fact, they are clearly counterproductive, as those planning mass-murder overwhelmingly choose just such areas for their attacks. Iowa only adopted this posture in 1995. It has not worked and should not be considered irreversible. Previously, Iowa hadn’t erected these “No Self-Defense Zones”, nor did this nation have a history or tradition of preventing responsible citizens from being armed at a school.
Common sense approaches: IFC suggests exploring existing approaches used outside schools, which could broaden the discussion and potentially lead to more effective solutions. Many states are changing their laws to allow citizens with permits to carry to do so within schools (AL, NH, OH, OR & UT). The otherwise draconian (and surely unconstitutional) federal Gun Free School Zones Act, allows persons with a permit to carry to be armed at and in a school. Studies in multiple states have proved that citizens who hold a permit to carry commit crimes at such an exceptionally low rate that even sworn law enforcement officers do so at a rate that is six to ten times higher. These are not the people to be concerned with.
Additional perspectives to consider:
Root causes: Addressing the root causes of violence and creating a safer society overall could be more impactful than focusing solely on school security measures. This might involve tackling issues like poverty, mental health, access to firearms, and fostering a culture of respect and non-violence.
Community involvement: Engaging the broader community, including parents, students, teachers, and mental health professionals, in developing solutions could lead to more comprehensive and sustainable strategies.
Alternative approaches: Exploring other potential solutions beyond SROs and armed staff, such as improved security protocols, mental health support programs, conflict resolution training, building positive school climates, and allowing legally permitted adults to carry defensive weapons in schools, could all be beneficial.
Next steps:
Research and learn: Gathering information from various sources, alternative security measures, and the impact of insurance company policies, can inform your perspective. Certainly, consultation with IFC, with their Educator Academy, NRA with their School Shield Program, John Lott and his Crime Prevention Research Center should be a focus.
Remember, there’s no easy answer to this complex issue. By considering different perspectives, engaging in open dialogue, and advocating for solutions based on evidence and common sense, we can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone in schools.
The Students First Safety Act / Iowa House Study Bill 675 has been rolled out. By the time this President’s Message Blog has been published, it’s had its first hearing up at the Iowa State House.
HSB675 needs some work before IFC can fully support it. You can find more details here about the bill by IFC past Chairman Michael Ware. But I’d like to point out to you how the Iowa State Education Association feels about your kid’s safety, time, and math.
“Melissa Peterson from the Iowa State Education Association says firearms in the schoolhouse is a risky idea. “Accidents always happen when you’re around students regardless of what age they might be, and we think that quite frankly the stakes are just too high. We should not take the risk. More firearms does not equal more safety,” Peterson said.
Peterson says school resource officers can negatively impact the learning environment for students who have adverse relationships or perceptions of law enforcement. Some school districts have done away with SROs for that reason.”
That quote is from a February 9th, 2024 KCRG story, and my hat is off to reporter Conner Hendricks for presenting both sides of the issue.
My concern is that our statewide teachers union does not live in real-ville. Most thinking adults know the fastest way to stop an attacker is to shoot them right now. Not in ten minutes, but right now. Reducing the potential number of victims by terminating the attacker’s ability to continue immediately beats calling 911 and waiting several minutes or more for a police response.
Oh, and the safest kids’ sports in the United States are shooting sports and archery, go figure. Even Time Magazine in a March 7, 2019 article about High School Clays in Minnesota:
“As for safety: more than 70,000 students have fired 42 million shots since 2008. No one has reported a single injury, according to the league.”
For those who think I might be picking on the ISEA because it’s a union, know this: As a retired member of the Airline Pilots Association (the Pilots Union) and an ALPA Security Coordinator, I fully support employees’ rights to organize. But let’s remember who led the charge to arm pilots with handguns after 9/11…it was the pilot unions in America.
I get that ISEA is a business, but my advice to Ms. Peterson is to get out of the woke propaganda business and back to doing what’s best for our kids.
Help us defend all Iowans’ rights by joining or renewing your IFC membership here today. And please stay Ready at All Times.
Shoot Straight, Speak The Truth, and Never Surrender Our Liberties.
Brenna Bird – Iowa’s Attorney General speaking with our partners at NSSF. Listen to this patriot speak and if you don’t have an Attorney General in your state like this, find one, and elevate them to office! I’ll bet you wished Brenna Bird was your state AG!
AG Bird has been a tireless supporter of the Second Amendment and one of the few who has continued to follow through on campaign promises. Too many others find reasons or excuses that preclude them from actually doing the things they told the 2A community they wanted to do. Nobody here is foreign to the concept of a campaign promise, but we are sensitive to the retreat from the continual push and protection the Second Amendment requires. Put your passion, your activism, and your hard-earned money behind folks who continually and tirelessly work to ADVANCE and PROTECT your civil liberties.
How many elected officials give specific recognition to the 2A community for their support? You’ll want to pay special attention @7:40!
This video was recorded at the NSSF SHOT Show this year. Pay close attention to what is being said and the core grasp AG Bird has on the problems. Too few do. Even fewer act on it.
(The featured image is from the 2A Day IFC holds at the Iowa Capitol each year. AG Bird was a speaker at our event and took a quick picture with Gabby Franco, our featured speaker.)
(DES MOINES, Iowa) – The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) welcomes the introduction of the “Students First Safety Act,” HSB675, a bill that creates a pathway for Iowa school districts to arm trained staff.
The bill will be brought before the Public Safety subcommittee on Monday.
“If you see a fire starting in your home, do you grab the fire extinguisher and put it out, or just dial 911 and wait for the fire department to arrive after it’s totally engulfed?” said IFC President and Des Moines area police officer, Dave Funk. “IFC is grateful to the legislature for bringing this bill forward, addressing issues of critical importance.”
While IFC is encouraged legislators are taking steps to protect Iowa’s children in the classroom, the existing proposed legislation leaves room for improvement. IFC looks forward to working with lawmakers to refine the bill to include:
Protection for all Iowa school districts, not just the largest and wealthiest in the state.
A training program for all willing educators.
Closing the insurance discrimination loophole, which has allowed for insurance companies to hold the safety of Iowa children hostage at the expense of woke corporate policies.
Two school districts in northwest Iowa had planned on implementing armed staff as soon as the 2024 school year but withdrew their plans once Des Moines based EMC insurance notified the districts that their insurance policies would not be renewed if the plan went into effect.
“We’ve had meetings with the schools, we’ve had meetings with the insurance companies. I’m working with the Senate to make sure we have a collaborative bill we can do something with,” said Rep. John Wills (Dickinson County).
IFC further recommends legislators use “Time and Math” when debating the bill and to look beyond School Resource Officers (SROs) as the only solution to protecting students. While IFC acknowledges the important role of SROs in Iowa schools, in particular how they provide mentorship to students, it is unrealistic to think that a single peace officer is always going to be at the right place at just the right time when evil strikes.
IFC has been working with retired Army Officer and schoolteacher Ed Monk to bring a fact-based approach to the Capitol in the wake of the tragedy at Perry High School. Monk was further part of a team of experts that led the Iowa Educators Academy, an intensive IFC program that taught more than a dozen school administrators and staff members on how best to respond to a crisis, last year.
“If you don’t stop a threat within thirty seconds to one minute, you often see double digit victim counts,” said Monk. “You want the lowest possible victim count and that means an immediate response. You can’t argue against Time and Math.”
IFC is calling on Iowans to contact their local representatives and senators and demand they find a solution to insuring school districts that understand the reality of Time and Math.
The Iowa Firearms Coalition, Iowa’s official NRA State Association, is a 501(c4) nonprofit and is Iowa’s only effective pro-Second Amendment rights organization.
Linn County Pistol Club will be hosting a sectional on March 10 at Linn County Izaak Walton. This will be a .22 caliber 90 shot match, and scores are submitted to NRA to be compiled into the national indoor pistol championship. There will also be a 30 shot team match. The program is attached with sign-up info. We will have 2 relays at 9:00 and 10:30 in the morning for a total of 16 shooters. If needed we can add an afternoon relay. Make sure to sign up early to reserve your spot.
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