Cody school board votes to allow armed teachers

A Wyoming school district in an area where the U.S. Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, suggested that teachers might need to be armed to protect children from grizzly bears has voted to let staff carry firearms.

The Park County School District No. 6 board in the town of Cody voted 4-2 on Tuesday night on the measure that proponents say would protect students from armed intruders.

The school district covers a wide area near Yellowstone National Park where grizzlies roam.

One of the board members speaking in favor of the measure said, “No students will be scared at Cody Schools. Never has there been an armed school that has been breached. Criminals are cowards and don’t want to face opposition. That will not be Cody.”

While another member said that passing this measure would be teaching students that guns solve problems and we need to be more creative about solving this issue.

A board member said the Cody Law enforcement is behind the board with this decision and would help with any training needed.

In order to carry, teacher would need to already possess a concealed carry license in order to apply. The school board also said teachers will have to pass other background checks, drug/alcohol testing, psych evaluations and having extensive training in order to carry in the classroom.