Locked and Loaded: Examining Pennsylvanians’ Perceptions about Arming School Teachers

• In Event: Attitudes about Protecting and Punishing Youth and Young Adults

Abstract

Currently, 28 states have statutes making it clear that teachers or school staff can be armed on school property. Pennsylvania is not one of them. Recently, Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano sought to change this by proposing legislation, SB 1288, that, if passed, would allow school employees to carry firearms on school property if they complete a training course and have obtained a concealed carry permit. This study uses statewide survey data collected by Penn State Harrisburg's Center for Survey Research to examine Pennsylvanians’ opinions and attitudes toward teachers and/or school officials carrying guns in schools. Policy implications are discussed.

Author

• Emily Strohacker, Penn State Harrisburg