Oklahoma Lawmaker To Propose Legislation Allowing Teachers, Principals To Carry Guns At Schools

In the wake of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school that left 20 children and six adults dead, an Oklahoma lawmaker plans to propose legislation that would allow CLEET-certified teachers and principals to carry firearms to school and school events.

Republican State Rep. Mark McCullough represents House District 30, which covers Creek and Tulsa counties. He said Monday in a news release it's "incredibly irresponsible" to leave schools undefended.

"We cannot continue to be shackled by politically correct, reflexive, anti-gun sentiment in the face of the obvious – our schools are soft targets," said McCullough. "I've been considering this proposal for a long time. In light of the savagery on display in Connecticut, I believe it's an idea whose time has come."

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While many are calling to tighten gun control laws due to the shooting, McCullough said he wants to give educators the ability to defend themselves and children. He said this legislation is something he and other legislators have been considering for a while.

"We've been doing our due diligence on this topic. It's important to get it right. CLEET certification is the exact same training our law enforcement professionals receive. Obviously we do not want firearms out and about in the school where students might have access to them. For that reason, if educators are allowed to carry firearms, it is necessary that they have them on their person at all times."

McCullough said one idea being floated around is to designate the educators as reserve officers with local police and sheriff's departments.

The legislation must be filed by 4 p.m. January 17, 2013, to be considered in this session.