Why do high school students think our rights come from the government?

Why do high school students think our rights come from the government?

In the wake of last year’s Valentine’s Day massacre inside Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, mainstream media repeatedly trotted out a small group of carefully selected Douglas students who served as the expert voices of America’s youth, demanding that something be done about gun violence – specifically “calling bullshit” on the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

By “selected,” of course, I refer to the fact that many other students and parents who have publicly expressed opinions in support of Americans’ right to defend themselves with firearms, were rarely, if ever, permitted to get their views past the media landlords.

Not one to place much confidence in the mainstream media’s big-top presentation of what we need to know, I decided that I would like to know how high school students really think about school safety.

What follows are the results of an informal, non-scientific anonymous survey of students at Strongsville High School taken in March 2018, about a month after the Florida shooting. The survey was done online through Survey Monkey. A handful of students at the school were given a web link to the survey and asked whether they would share it with classmates. They were asked to be careful that only Strongsville High School students completed the survey so as not to taint the results. It isn’t impossible that an outsider or two may have been among the 54 participants (about 3 percent of the school’s enrollment at the time).

Hopefully not.

The results may or may not reflect an accurate account of how the school’s 1,900 students feel about school safety or guns. But the answers are interesting – especially the open-ended comments about the why the Second Amendment was adopted.

Meanwhile, some answers are alarming.

None more so alarming than the revelation that 79 percent of the survey respondents believe that our right to bear arms comes from the government.

This startling response flashed me back to an August evening about a decade ago at Strongsville High School. Taking a seat in one of my son’s classrooms during Open House, I noticed the Bill of Rights written in chalk across the blackboard – eight amendments, not 10.

Missing from that day’s lesson was the Second Amendment.

And another.

I don’t recall which of the other protections the teacher found offensive, but when I asked him about it before moving along to the next classroom, he explained to me that the Ohio curriculum didn’t require him to teach the missing amendments.

I still can’t fathom why I didn’t take the matter any further. Nor why I seemed to be the only person in the room who noticed.

As the following results will show, students who responded to the survey didn’t appear to be comfortable with their teachers carrying a concealed weapon. Given the choice of five solutions that would make them feel protected in the event of an active shooter situation, arming teachers ranked dead last. The favored solution was having radio contact with police – edging out the ability to call 911 on the students’ own mobile phone and having a police office inside the school.

Meanwhile, 61 percent of the respondents agreed that people should be allowed to own a gun for self-defense.

Overall, 70 percent of the respondents said they feel safe at school. Among those who said they don’t, almost 30 percent were more concerned about being bullied than the possibility of an armed attack.

Here are the results of the survey. Extra credit to the students who understand that the Second Amendment protects our right to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government.

Q1: Do you feel safe in your school?
70% Yes
26% No
4% I don’t know

Q2: If you do not feel safe in your school (answered “no” on the previous question), which of the following make you feel the most unsafe?

67% Possibility of mass armed assault by a fellow student
37% Possibility of an armed intruder
27% Being bullied by a fellow student

Q3: Which of the following would tend to make you feel most protected in the event of an active shooter situation. Rank according to what would make you feel most protected, “1” being the most protected.

The ability to call 911 on your phone

36% 1st choice to make student feel most protected
19% 2nd choice to make student feel most protected
21% 3rd choice to make student feel most protected
12% 4th choice to make student feel most protected
12% 5th choice to make student feel most protected

A resource officer inside the school

26% 1st choice to make student feel most protected
21% 2nd choice to make student feel most protected
21% 3rd choice to make student feel most protected
28% 4th choice to make student feel most protected
5% 5th choice to make student feel most protected

Cameras in the school

2% 1st choice to make student feel most protected
14% 2nd choice to make student feel most protected
37% 3rd choice to make student feel most protected
33% 4th choice to make student feel most protected
14% 5th choice to make student feel most protected

Some teachers/staff members carrying a concealed handgun

11% 1st choice to make student feel most protected
7% 2nd choice to make student feel most protected
7% 3rd choice to make student feel most protected
14% 4th choice to make student feel most protected
61% 5th choice to make student feel most protected

The school having a radio contact to the police

26% 1st choice to make student feel most protected
40% 2nd choice to make student feel most protected
14% 3rd choice to make student feel most protected
12% 4th choice to make student feel most protected
9% 5th choice to make student feel most protected

Averaging the responses, assigning 5 points for each first choice, 4 points for each second choices, etc., down to 1 point for each fifth choice, here is what the students said would make them feel safer in order of scoring:

3.60 – The school having a radio contact to the police
3.55 – The ability to call 911 on your phone
3.35 – A resource officer inside the school
2.58 – Cameras in the school
1.93 – Some teachers/staff members carrying a concealed handgun

Q4: What do you think is the best way to prevent an active shooter situation in your school. Rank according to effectiveness, with “1” being the most effective.

Metal detectors at entrance

33% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
16% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
7% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
12% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
23 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
9% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Identify visitors before they are allowed to enter school

31% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
24% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
29% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
5% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
10% 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
2% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Allow some teachers/staff members to carry concealed handguns

9% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
5% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
2% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
7% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
16% 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
61% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Put a resource officer inside the schools

19% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
23% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
9% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
28% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
14% 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
7% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Cameras to monitor inside and outside the school

2% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
16% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
35% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
23% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
16% 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
7% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Radio contact with police

9% Best way to prevent an active shooter situation
16% 2nd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
21% 3rd best way to prevent an active shooter situation
23% 4th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
18% 5th best way to prevent an active shooter situation
14% 6th best way to prevent an active shooter situation

Averaging the responses, assigning 6 points for each first choice, 5 points for each second choices, etc., down to 1 point for each sixth choice, here is what the students said would make them feel safer in order of scoring:

4.55 – Identify visitors before they are allowed to enter school
3.95 – Metal detectors at entrance
3.84 – Put a resource officer inside the schools
3.44 – Cameras to monitor inside and outside the school
3.34 – Radio contact with police
2.00 – Allow some teachers/staff members to carry concealed handguns

Q5: Which of the following statements about guns to you agree with the most?

39% No person should have a gun
61% People should be allowed to have a gun to defend themselves against people who want to harm them

Q6: Hypothetically, if guns were to be banned, do you feel that it is reasonable to believe that people with bad intentions would be unable to obtain a gun?

25% I believe a ban on guns would prevent everybody from getting a gun.
75% No. I think even with a ban on guns, people who want one would still be able to get a gun.

Q7: From where do you believe Americans’ right to bear arms comes from?

79% The government
2% God
19% Not God, but we are born with this right

Q8: What do you think is the main reason the Second Amendment was made a part of the Constitution? (Open comments)

• To protect ourselves against tyranny at all levels to the extent we individually deem fit
• Circumstances of the Revolutionary War and be able to resist against oppressive governments.
• Because people want to be free and being able to have the right to a weapon of protection makes us feel safe
• The right to obtain guns for self defense
• To allow people to have guns for self defense purposes
• To ensure the safety of citizens against anyone, even the government.
• Self Defense, both from others and tyranny
• To provide for a “well regulated militia”, as specifically stated
• To protect oneself; this amendment was created during a time where the advanced weaponry we have today wasn’t even thought to be created
• So the government can’t have too much power over us
• Protection
• The Second Amendment was made a part of the Constitution back when America hadn’t become developed or technologically advanced. The gun took a lot of time to load and could only carry one bullet. Also, Black people were still considered 3/5 of a person.
• To defend yourself
• Because we just had a damn revolutionary war. No Founding Father was like. “Yo, what if some psycho shoots up a school”
• I believe that the founding fathers included the second amendment because during the time in which the Constitution was written, the founding fathers feared coups and slave rebellions
• For militias when the constitution was written
• The only reason the second amendment was included in the Bill of rights was to form an effective militia, the federal government had no national military at the time and simply gave weapons to the people to defend the idea of a free state
• So American citizens could protect themselves against the at the time British interference with their new country
• I think the Second Amendment was made at a certain point in the past where carrying guns was necessary. Today, times have changed as the access to guns and violence has increased. I think it’s time to amend the Constitution to fit the need of today. I know changing the Constitution is no easy task, but I think its getting to a point where there are too many people abusing their Second Amendment right.
• It was something the people wanted and was not an issue back then as it is today.
• For colonists to be able to protect themselves from any person trying to invade their home (this being a problem with British soldiers during revolutionary era)
• For personal safety against those who cause harm
• The second amendment was made a part of the constitution because during the time of its ratification, war and battle were a commonality, therefore the Framers of the Constitution sought to include the right for people to possess a means of protecting themselves. However, the Framers failed to take into account the stake increase to technological advances in firearms that could surpass the scope of the 2nd amendment such as the ones that exist today
• To fight against an unjust government
• At the time the constitution was written, guns were not very effective or harmful compared to modern guns and the founding fathers wanted citizens to feel protected, however, times have changed and so should our constitution
• During the Revolutionary War, owning a gun was necessary at the time period as a way of protection. The Second Amendment allowed citizens to protect themselves from invasion.
• People who hunt game for a career and to protect us in case of emergencies, but this is a risky reason because no one knows what one will do with a gun
• America had just been under a tyrannical rule with England and people felt the need to protect themselves from the government in case another revolution were to happen
• It was reasonable at the time period, but society and their opinions change over time. We cannot expect to hold the same opinions as our founding fathers. If we did, then why are we considered the most diverse nation in the world?
• Back then it was necessary to have guns in order to hunt and protect themselves from other people more so than today.
• In order to allow people to defend themselves with weapons. There is only so much security a person can have without tools for reinforcement.
• It was created during a time when men considered the right to bear arms important as conflicts were being resolved.
• To protect ourselves
• To allow Americans to own their own guns for protection and to participate in recreational activities, such as hunting.
• To protect citizens from potential tyranny
• To keep the government in check, giving the citizens a way to overthrow a corrupt government
• Self defense, a check and balance for the government.
• For the same reason it’s considered a government by the people for the people. So a governing body or group of people/other nation couldn’t easily overtake the people. It allows the people to protect themselves against any force that doesn’t care about the welfare of others.
• So that if the government became tyrannical the people could rebel, no so every citizen can just wave a gun around for fun like today
• To ensure the people of the early country that they could protect themselves in the event that their new government became tyrannical like the British one was.
• To protect against a tyrannical British government back in the 1700s
• I believe it was added so that citizens can defend themselves against other people and a tyrannical government.
• It was made as a way to allow the citizens to overthrow the government in the event that there is no way to vote/remove the elected official without force being necessary.
• To defend ourselves and our property as Americans

Q9: Have you ever discussed the Second Amendment during a class in your school?

51% We discussed the Second Amendment briefly in at least one class in school.
42% We discussed the Second Amendment at length in at least one class in school.
7% I have never been in a class in school where the Second Amendment was discussed.

Q10: Which of the following best describe your understanding of the purpose of the Second Amendment? Rank according what you think is the main purpose, “1” being the main purpose.

To protect the right to hunt for food

2% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
5% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
12% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
26% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
42% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

To protect the right to defend yourself against bodily harm

42% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
37% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
9% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
7% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
5% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
0% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

To allow police to carry guns to protect the public

5% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
23% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
26% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
19% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

To ensure citizens protection against a tyrannical government

33% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
19% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
23% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
7% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
5% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

To protect citizens against foreign invaders

2% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
7% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
21% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
21% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
33% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

To allow for a well regulated militia

18% Believe this is the No. 1 main reason for the 2nd Amendment
11% Believe this is the 2nd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 3rd most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
18% Believe this is the 4th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
14% Believe this is the 5th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment
25% Believe this is the 6th most important reason for the 2nd Amendment

Averaging the responses, assigning 6 points for each first choice, 5 points for each second choices, etc., down to 1 point for each sixth choice, here is what the students said would make them feel safer in order of scoring:

5.05 – To protect the right to defend yourself against bodily harm
4.33 – To ensure citizens protection against a tyrannical government
3.44 – To allow police to carry guns to protect the public
3.27 – To allow for a well regulated militia
2.81 – To protect citizens against foreign invaders
2.21 – To protect the right to hunt for food

Reprinted with permission from Makin' Tea: The Bill of Writes. Ken McEntee is past president (2016-2018) of the Rotary Club of Strongsville and a member of the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, based somewhere in England. I am a trustee of Arts in Strongsville (so’s my wife) and a member of the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County, Ohio. I am a member of COSE – Northeast Ohio’s Council of Smaller Enterprises, the U.S. Composting Council, the Buckeye Firearms Association and the Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.