
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
At his “listening session” on gun violence on Wednesday, President Donald Trump proposed arming teachers as a means of security, a move that’s been met with condemnation from gun control advocates in Hollywood.
“I was a full time High School English teacher. This semester, I’m teaching a High School Film Appreciation course,” director Scott Derrickson wrote on Twitter. “As a teacher and gun owner, let me say that arming teachers is the stupidest idea ever.”
“Not an expert, but perhaps if we didn’t have to spend time thinking about arming our TEACHERS, the United States could be ranked higher than 17th in worldwide education. This madness has to stop,” wrote “Frozen” star Josh Gad, who vowed to take political action on gun control after learning a friend’s son was one of the 17 people killed in last week’s school shooting in Florida.
Also Read: Trump Calls for Guns in Classrooms - 2 Years After Insisting He Wasn't for Guns in Classrooms
At the event, in which families and survivors of school shootings were invited to the White House to speak directly to the president, Trump proposed that one solution to the recent rash of deadly school shootings might be to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons on school grounds.
“If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly,” he said.
His critics were quick to point out that putting guns in schools simply raises the possibility of making deadly shootings more likely. On Thursday, Trump doubled down on his position, pointing to video games, movies as the causes of violence in addition of calling for teachers to be armed.
Also Read: Colbert Mocks Florida Lawmakers for Going After Porn Instead of Dealing With Guns (Video)
“I am so glad that our sixth-grade teacher Mr. Rock, who used to smack kids on the top of the head with his knuckle when he thought they got out of line, didn’t have a gun,” director Judd Apatow wrote.
I was a full time High School English teacher. This semester, I’m teaching a High School Film Appreciation course.
As a teacher and gun owner, let me say that arming teachers is the stupidest idea ever.
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) February 22, 2018
Teachers should have guns.
Principals should have guns.
Waiters should have guns.
Tailors should have guns.
Doctors should have guns.
Nurses should have guns.
Uber drivers should have guns.
Dogs should have guns.
Cats should have guns.
Guns should also have other guns.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) February 22, 2018
Since we have made AR15s easier to buy we have seen more mass shootings. More guns, more easily had = more mass murders. Australia outlawed this type of gun, never happened again. Less guns = less mass murder. It’s simple. Putting more guns in schools will = more shootings.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) February 22, 2018
Not an expert, but perhaps if we didn’t have to spend time thinking about arming our TEACHERS, the United States could be ranked higher than 17th in worldwide education. This madness has to stop.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 22, 2018
“Give some teachers guns” also means you’re “giving teachers guns”. You not understanding English isn’t “Fake news.” Fake news IS your personal history of completely making up stuff and refusing to retract it. https://t.co/jUUCsDSyVc
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 22, 2018
NYPD is only accurate 18% of the time & they don’t fire into crowds of children. Friendly fire dead kids are cool with you? Those kids would be heros? Their folks Gold Star Families? You’ll have to call them…..I knew you’d reconsider arming teachers when you got all the facts:) https://t.co/i2Rxh7BIQG
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) February 22, 2018
trump’s answer to school Shootings IS NOT SENSIBLE GUN REFORM LAWS.trump WANTS KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS TO GO STRAPPED INTO CLASSROOM OF 5 YR OLDS????.REALLY trump????THATS”ALL”U GOT⁉️THE SHOOTER’S GOT A MILITARY WEAPON,WITH HIGH CAPACITY MAGS‼️
trump #MAGUNSA#NEVERAGAIN— Cher (@cher) February 22, 2018
If schools are gonna be gun zones with your algebra teacher packing heat, can the kids smoke in class at least?
— Adam Goldberg (@TheAdamGoldberg) February 22, 2018
I am so glad that our sixth-grade teacher Mr. Rock, who used to smack kids on the top of the head with his knuckle when he thought they got out of line, didn't have a gun. https://t.co/KJvQiUWVUv
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 22, 2018
the debate is about “arming teachers.” not allowing those who already have concealed permits to carry in school. what’s the solution for schools that employ no teachers with carry permits? what’s he suggesting then? https://t.co/T0A8ZRrWd8
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) February 22, 2018
that. or when the shooters show up dressed as teachers to blend in. the is stupidity on steroids … https://t.co/EvZlO55NDZ
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) February 22, 2018
We don’t pay our teachers enough to TEACH. Now these fools want them to double as armed security. Meanwhile our kids are the active shooter drill generation.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) February 21, 2018
I try to not get political but, arm our teachers? They’re teachers. Not cops, not security, not military. They HAVE a job. #confused
— Shannen Doherty (@DohertyShannen) February 22, 2018