“Run, Hide, Fight” is a widely accepted protocol for dealing with active shooters. This three-step process advises individuals to first run from danger, hide if escape is not possible, and fight back if absolutely necessary.
According to Everytown Research, gun violence in K-12 schools has dramatically increased with more than 144 incidents reported in last year’s academic year alone, marking a 31% rise from the previous year, a figure that highlights the growing need for educators to be prepared for the possibility of violence at their school.
House Bill 903, introduced by Representative Dan Daley, a Democrat from Coral Springs, aims to strengthen the safety of students and educators in Florida by requiring that future teachers undergo active shooter training as part of their certification process.
This bill would amend current teacher certification requirements to include mandatory training for mass casualty incidents, such as active shooter situations, before new educators can enter the classroom. Effective July 1, if approved, the bill seeks to provide future teachers with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their students in emergency situations.
Daley introduced the bill in response to a national uptick in school shootings and mass casualty incidents in educational settings. The bill would expand on an existing training program already in place at schools like Indian River State College in South Florida, which includes components of classroom management courses that teach educators how to respond to active shooter situations. This is part of the “Run, Hide, Fight” strategy.
He emphasized that this kind of preparation should be ingrained into the certification process, ensuring that teachers are ready for such incidents from day one.
“It is the unfortunate reality of where we are today,” Daley said. “I think we need to do a better job of training our teachers and the most important job of the government is to keep our kids safe.”
Current Florida law already requires active shooter training for teachers during their tenure. However, Daley believes that prospective teachers should receive this training before entering the classroom. By implementing this training at the certification stage, the bill ensures that teachers can act quickly and decisively in the event of a mass casualty incident, potentially saving lives.
The Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has supported the bill, but has also highlighted concerns about the broader issues contributing to school violence.
Nancy Lawther, former legislative chair of the Florida PTA, acknowledged the necessity of active shooter training but emphasized that teachers should not bear the burden of this responsibility alone. “Teachers need backup. That is the community’s responsibility, it’s the parent’s responsibility, it is the school district’s responsibility to try to get to the root of the problem,” Lawther said.
Eva Cunningham, an education major at Florida A&M University, expressed support for the bill while acknowledging the importance of being prepared for an emergency.
“Teachers are often the first line of defense, and I’m ready to do what’s necessary to protect my students when the time comes,” Cunningham said.
While the bill has garnered support from some educators and organizations, others have raised concerns about its impact on teachers who are already facing a challenging workload. As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, the debate over how to best ensure the safety of students and staff is likely to persist, with HB 903 serving as a critical point of discussion.