Union Boss Makes Case Against Arming Teachers: ‘If I Make My Teacher Angry, Is My Teacher Going to Shoot Me?’

Dave Urbanski

New Jersey American Federation of Teachers president Donna Chiera, when asked Thursday on NBC's "Today" about how arming teachers in the classroom might impact students, had this to say:

"I would hate for students to say, 'Oh, my goodness, if I answer the wrong question, is my teacher going to shoot me? If I make my teacher angry, is my teacher going to shoot me?'"

NJ Teachers Union President Donna Chiera Says Arming Teachers in the Classroom Would Create Fearful Environment
NJ Teachers Union President Donna Chiera Says Arming Teachers in the Classroom Would Create Fearful Environment

NJAFT President Donna Chiera (Credit: Newsbusters)

Newsbusters reports that guest host Carson Daly followed up thusly: "Do you think they would they make that connection?" (And check out news reader Natalie Morales' facial expression directed toward Chiera at this point):

NJ Teachers Union President Donna Chiera Says Arming Teachers in the Classroom Would Create Fearful Environment
NJ Teachers Union President Donna Chiera Says Arming Teachers in the Classroom Would Create Fearful Environment

(Credit: Newsbusters)

Chiera didn't back down; she went further:

"Because of the media and everything they've been exposed to, where people on a regular basis they see on TV, someone got mad and pulled out a gun. I also think it impacts parents. Parents many times come into classrooms to have uncomfortable conversations with teachers. And I wouldn't want parents to come in and be hesitant to say something to me with, 'Is this the teacher who's packing the gun, and what do I have to be fearful?' I think it would make an environment of fear."

Check out the clip:

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)

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