Dear editor,

The school shootings of the last 20 years are a direct and unintended consequence of the Gun Free School Zone Act. That Act has a Wisconsin pedigree. It was introduced in 1990 by Senator Herb Kohl and signed into law by George Bush. The federal government thereby created the target rich environment that are America’s schools. A safe place to kill children.

Repeal of the Act to allow firearms in schools would allow the states to proactively protect their charges. Basically, the federal government would get out of the way and let children be protected as their community decides. The effect on school safety could be immediate. Jurisdiction’s could allow concealed carry permittees to carry — administrators, teachers, and maintenance staff alike.

Until the problems arise.  The skill set to obtain a concealed carry license is slight, narrow, and legalistic. It does not lend itself to protection of children. A long term professional solution would be needed.

Enter the Wisconsin Academy for School Protective Services. Created and run by the State of Wisconsin and financed with enrollment fees, it would train and qualify unpaid volunteers.  Included but not limited to:

Psychological evaluation;
Conflict resolution/deescalation;
Situational awareness;
Functionality with police radio;
Firearm competence with deployment protocols.

There are others but you get the idea.

It would be local, voluntary, keep an incompetent federal government away, and leave the second amendment alone.

The goal is deterrence.

Lets address this at the upcoming school board debate.

The next school shooter has already purchased his gun.

Steve Katona
Marshfield, WI