School resource officers

Republican states arm teachers, fortify buildings in another year of school shootings

BY: - June 14, 2023

As another school year defined by mass shootings ends in America, Republican-led state legislatures passed measures this session to fortify schools, create guidelines for active shooter drills and safety officer responses, and allow teachers to be armed. Firearm restrictions, however, were a nonstarter in red states trying to curb school shootings. The legislation pushed by GOP lawmakers […]

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, second from right, speaks to Drake University College Republicans March 28, 2023 at the Drake Diner near campus. (Photo by Luke Clausen)

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson calls for armed personnel in every school

BY: - March 28, 2023

In the aftermath of a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, former Arkansas governor and potential presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson called Tuesday for armed officers in every school. Hutchinson, a Republican, made his comments during an event with Drake University students in Des Moines. “My belief is that every school should have armed personnel,” Hutchinson said. […]

Arkansas Department of Education chief counsel speaks into a microphone while sitting at a table

Arkansas lawmakers approve emergency rules for school-safety grant funding

BY: - December 15, 2022

The Arkansas Legislative Council’s executive subcommittee on Thursday approved emergency rules that will allow the disbursement of $50 million for a school-safety grant program. “If we can get these approved, then that will assist us in getting the money out to school districts sooner so that they can start putting these different safety measures in […]