New Texas Law Permits More School Marshall Appointments

Originally published by James Amaro.

Texas schools that choose to participate in the state’s School Marshall Program will now be able to appoint twice as many School Marshalls if they would like to. This is due to House Bill (HB) 1387, which went into effect on September 1^st.

With this new law, Texas schools can now appoint one
Marshall for every 100 students in daily attendance (at public and charter
schools) or enrolled (at private schools).

While some have seen this as a strong move to enhance
school safety, critics argue that there’s no evidence more school Marshalls
will keep schools safer and that it may negatively impact students.

What Are School
Marshalls?

Marshalls are school personnel that have completed the
required training to serve as armed peace enforcement officers when law
enforcement officers are not present. The identities of school Marshalls are
only known by a few officials.

Prior to HB 1387, schools were limited to appointing one
Marshall for every 200 students (in daily attendance or enrolled, depending on
the type of school).

Supporters See New
Law as a Way to Improve School Safety & Deter Potential Attackers

With more school Marshalls on campus, schools have more options for addressing potential threats and launching rapid-response protocols in emergency situations, supporters say. They also contend that:

• More school Marshalls may help dissuade
  potential school shooters from carrying out attacks.
• The new law gives schools the freedom to
  increase Marshall appointments; it doesn’t require more appointments.
• There’s no evidence suggesting that the presence
  of school Marshalls has negative impacts on students.

Opponents Fear New
School Marshall Law Could Have Negative Impacts

Opponents to the new law argue that there’s no evidence supporting the safety of the School Marshall Program and that:

• More Marshalls could have negative impacts on classroom
  culture and learning.
• The Marshall Program promotes “a fear-based
  response” regarding how to handle a possible active shooter scenario.
• There may be more effective strategies for
  promoting school safety, like staffing more counselors and offering more mental
  health programs for students.

With the new School Marshall Law already in effect, many
are eager to see whether it will truly make a difference and enhance school
safety.

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