Florida Campuses Get Armed Guards

0:00On March 19, Florida lawmakers have approved a bill that lets trained faculty and staff carry guns on public college and university campuses. The measure expands the state school guardian program which started for K-12 schools to hire education to help stop active shooter. Threats. It passed the House 88-20 and the Senate 26-10, with mostly Republican support. This push comes after deadly shootings, like the one in Marjorie Stoeman Duck was high school in Parkland back in 2018, and another ad, Fortesdale University last year that killed two people and hurt six. Governor Ron DeSantis backs the idea and proposed $6 million in his budget to make it happen for colleges. Supporters say it puts highly trained people on site to respond quickly and keep students safe. Officials like the Education Commissioner praise it for creating secure learning spots without turning staff into full police officers. To join faculty or staff, but never students, must finish a 144-hour training run by

1:01local sheriffs that covers guns, shooter drills, legal rules, and defense moves, plus site checks, drug tests, and yearly updates. Colleges also must set up shooter plans, threat teams, and more mental health help. Lawmakers expect DeSantis to sign as soon, adding a new felony for firing guns near campuses during school time. This could set a model for campus safety across the country.