WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Firearms must not be allowed in the US state of Florida schools for any reason even if the intended effect is to protect children, Osceola County School District Board Member Kelvin Soto told Sputnik on Friday.
“As a school board member, I would reject any policy that will increase the presence of firearms in my public schools even if the intent is for the protection of children,” Soto said, referring to a new Florida bill that allows school employees to carry concealed weapons.
Soto explained that the bill could have terrible public health consequences, and incidents may arise from carelessness or misuse, or simply from human nature.
“With firearms, incidents where things go wrong usually result in death or serious and permanent injury,” Soto said.
“As an attorney, I know how to communicate and effectively pass those barriers without escalating a difficult scenario. Yet, I would avoid testing my skill with an armed school employee or an armed parent,” he explained.
Soto also said there is hope that the bill will never see the light of day into law.
On Thursday, Sputnik talked to several Florida local school board members, who expressed they were divided over the issue of whether to implement the bill in their school districts.
Sputnik also heard from the Florida School Board Association, which said they support the bill, but will remain neutral on the issue.
The bill, better known as HB 19, was passed by the Florida House Education subcommittee on Wednesday.
