June 13, 2022 -- The Columbus Board of Education is disappointed that Governor Mike DeWine signed into law the controversial HB99. The bill allows teachers and staff to carry weapons on school property with reduced training if permitted by Ohio’s school district Boards of Education.
The Columbus Board of Education will not change current District policy and will continue to prohibit the carrying of weapons on all District property by any Columbus City Schools staff, students, and members of the public. Our decision is driven by the needs of our students, staff, and community.
Arming educators is not a solution to gun violence. Solving the problem of gun violence requires a community solution.
Addressing occurrences of gun violence is the job of our trained law enforcement professionals. The job of school professionals is to educate students. Our teachers and staff do not enter their professions to enforce laws. The responsibility of public safety is that of our city, county, and state safety and law enforcement experts.
Columbus City Schools strives to provide a safe environment where everyone can learn, work, and live with dignity and respect, free from fear and violence. What we do in our school communities is build relationships. And that's what matters most when it comes to school safety – the trusting and supportive relationships among our teachers, staff, students, families, and caregivers.
Jennifer Adair
Columbus Board of Education President
