Tamaqua teachers’ union issues response to gun policy

The Tamaqua Education Association has issued a statement in response to the school board’s decision to move forward with the policy to arm trained staff in the schools.

The board discussed the move at its meeting Tuesday night.

Steven J Cholish, PSEA/NEA UniServ Representative, issued the following statement Wednesday morning:

“The Tamaqua Education Association is disappointed by the school district’s decision to prematurely reinstate this policy while a court challenge remains underway.

“The Tamaqua EA maintains that this policy is a violation of the Pennsylvania School Code and other state laws that are very specific about who can carry firearms in our schools. We believe that it puts every teacher, student, administrator, or visitor who enters a Tamaqua school building at risk in a dangerous situation. Parents have also spoken out against this policy and the professionals of the Tamaqua Education Association are prepared to see this court challenge through to the bitter end.”

Cholish said the union is awaiting a trial date.

The statement continues, “Only a school police officer or school resource officer with state-required weapons training and experience is permitted by state law to carry and use firearms in a school. Teachers and support professionals aren’t trained law enforcement officers. Their job is to teach kids.

“The district’s policy ignores this state law and allows school employees without the proper training to carry and use firearms in school. We must follow the law to ensure students and staff remain safe. That is our top priority.”

In addition to the teachers’ union, four families have joined in a lawsuit to protest the policy.