College campuses as “soft targets” will be a thing of the past if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signs groundbreaking new legislation that sailed through the Florida Legislature last week.
The Active Response and Mitigation of On-Campus Risks (ARMOR) Act breezed through the House by an 88-20 margin. The Senate already approved the measure 26-10, and it now heads to the governor’s desk, where it should be signed into law.
Program to be implemented in state institutions is already in place in high schools
After the 2018 Parkland mass shooting tragedy, lawmakers sensibly sought ways to secure public school campuses. This led to the Guardian program, which allows certain faculty or staff members to undergo extensive training to carry a weapon as the first line of defense.
These K-12 defenders must complete a 144-hour training program to become proficient in everything from firearms safety and proficiency to active-shooter simulations and the legal issues they may face.
Now, this protection is expected to extend to Florida’s public colleges and universities.
Supporters want to eliminate campuses being ‘soft targets’
State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R) told reporters last month after the House passed the proposal that these so-called “gun-free” zones create situations where good people are virtually defenseless against armed criminals.
“Our impetus was our gun-free zones,” Salzman explained. “That was a huge problem knowing that people that are looking for the biggest bang for their buck or the biggest impact—negative impact—they’re going to where they know they’re not going to be stopped. And that is our higher education campuses.”
Sen. Don Gaetz (R), another supporter of the ARMOR Act, said it’s up to individual institutions whether to have an additional layer of defense.
“It’s entirely optional,” the Crestview senator explained. “And so, if they want to join 53 school districts who have reported no problems and are very highly satisfied with the Guardian program, they can. If they don’t want to, they don’t have to.”
The plan includes mandates for higher education institutions to be better prepared for such an emergency.
There’s no better way to show your patriotism than with merch that speaks before you do.
Defend America is more than a name, it’s a stand for freedom, resilience, and the values this country was built on. Every tee, hat, and mug is a symbol of unapologetic pride. Wear it loud, wear it proud, and let the world know: freedom isn’t negotiable.
Click the link below to join the movement.