The Keller ISD school board has approved a safety plan that would allow employees to carry guns on campuses.
Trustees voted four to three to approve the measure during a meeting Monday night that drew a large crowd and feedback from parents and students, NBC 5 reported.
Under the policy, employees who complete training and meet certain criteria will be allowed to carry concealed firearms on school grounds.
The policy will be implemented under the state's Guardian Program, which is utilized by hundreds of districts and establishes training guidelines for those who are armed on campus.
Teachers can participate in the program on a voluntary basis. Those who are armed will be known as "guardians." The district said having guardians on campus adds a layer of safety while waiting for law enforcement to respond to an incident.
Keller student Purnima Vasishta was among those who spoke against the policy.
"We're already so scared after here about the news of Uvalde and all the school shootings that have been happening lately," she said, per NBC 5. "But now when you put so many weapons into the mix and you put them directly into the classroom, it feels like school just isn't a safe place to return to anymore."
Former teacher Denise Linn spoke in support of the plan.
"I have full respect for guns and second amendment rights, and if that's the best route to go to defend the kids in the classroom I think it should definitely be explored," she said. "I think the training could be done and the people would have to be selected very carefully."
The school board is still determining exactly how to implement the policy.
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