Teacher With a Gun: Should it be Allowed?
ROBERTS: School safety and the Second Amendment are at odds in one Oregon school district. Shirley Katz, a high school teacher, is suing to bring a gun to class for protection. She says that her concealed weapons permit, an Oregon law, allow her to do so. But some officials say that she is violating the Jackson County school board policy. Shirley Katz joins us now from Medford, Oregon, this morning. Ms. Katz, good to see you. Why do you feel like you need to bring a gun to school.</s>SHIRLEY KATZ, TEACHER: Well, I see this as a -- this is an important case because it is, first of all, my Second Amendment right to do so. And it illustrates that no one should be able to alter that right.</s>ROBERTS: Right.</s>KATZ: Particularly my school district.</s>ROBERTS: But it's not just the...</s>KATZ: So it's...</s>ROBERTS: Yes, but it's not just that you want to bring a gun to school to make a point. There are security concerns that you have? What's the basis for those?</s>KATZ: Well, I think recent history has shown us that school safety measures need to be improved, particularly...</s>ROBERTS: Right, but hang on. Let me just back you up here. I think we're missing the main point here, right? You're afraid of your ex-husband. Isn't that what it is?</s>KATZ: That was the catalyst for my purchasing my handgun. However, my insistence on being able to carry my permit is because I am a law-abiding citizen in the state of Oregon and it is my right to do so.</s>ROBERTS: Right. But if you don't feel -- do you still feel a personal threat from your ex-husband?</s>KATZ: I would say that that is definitely the case, but I am hardly the only victim of domestic violence that is in my school, whether that's students or other teachers as well. So, that's just one concern.</s>ROBERTS: Now, let me just back up again. Have you actually been a victim of domestic violence, or are these just fears that you have of your ex-husband?</s>KATZ: I was a victim of domestic violence for several years.</s>ROBERTS: Right. OK. Now, do you have no faith in school security to be able to provide for your safety?</s>KATZ: Not currently. No, I do not.</s>ROBERTS: Right. Now, the state school superintendent, Susan Castillo, she's dead set against this idea. This is what she said about it: "They are not allowed" -- talking about guns -- "not allowed in courthouses, private workplaces, airplanes and sports arenas. Why would we have a lower standard of safety for our school children?" How would you respond to that?</s>KATZ: I would respond by saying it is a public school building, that I have gone through the training necessary, and the sheriff's department has faith enough in me to grant me my concealed carry permit. And that I really think that she needs to consider the fact that our children are our most important resource, and they can't learn unless they feel safe.</s>ROBERTS: Right. So would you actually be protecting your students as well as yourself? Is that the idea?</s>KATZ: That is absolutely the idea.</s>ROBERTS: All right. Now, your legal bills, if I'm not mistaken here -- correct me if I'm wrong -- are being paid by the Oregon Firearms Association. Is this...</s>KATZ: That is correct.</s>ROBERTS: Is this suit more about your personal safety or broader Second Amendment rights issues?</s>KATZ: I would say it's about broader Second Amendment rights issues and school safety.</s>ROBERTS: Right. Now, if you win this case, will you continue to bring your gun to school?</s>KATZ: Yes, I will.</s>ROBERTS: All right. Well, Shirley Katz from Medford, Oregon, at the center of a very controversial case. Thanks for being with us this morning, explaining your position. Good to have you on.</s>KATZ: Thank you.