Christian Colleges Consider Arming Security Guards to Prevent Attacks
- Updated Oct 03, 2016
A number of Christian colleges are considering hiring armed security guards to monitor their campuses and hopefully to prevent any possible attacks.
The increase in school shootings has prompted the discussion of greater security at schools. Some are in favor of having armed security personnel, but others believe having more guns on campuses is not the answer.
Wheaton College in Illinois is one such Christian school engaged in a debate on gun control and campus security. ChristianToday.com reports that Wheaton’s spokesperson, LaTonya Taylor, has said that initial discussions have begun which may result in arming the school’s security officers.
Matthew Vega, assistant director of the Office of Christian Outreach at Wheaton, disagrees with arming campus security.
"What sort of theological message are we sending to our students who've come to realise that our safety as a Christian community is predicated on intimidation and self-preservation?" Vega asked.
Vega added that he hopes Wheaton will refuse to follow the many college campuses that have chosen to use guns to protect students and staff.
Thirty-eight percent of private colleges in the U.S. reportedly hire armed security guards.
Jerry Falwell Jr., the chancellor of Liberty University, another well-known Christian school, also weighed in on the gun control debate, encouraging students to get concealed carry permits.
Publication date: October 3, 2016
