Portsmouth students oppose firearm training bill at New Hampshire education hearing

In a tense atmosphere filled with emotion and urgency, students and community members gathered to voice their concerns at the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee meeting on May 2, 2025. The focal point of the discussion was a proposed amendment that would require firearm training for public school students, a measure that sparked passionate opposition from those who have lived through the realities of gun violence in schools.

One poignant testimony came from a University of North Carolina student, who recounted her harrowing experiences in Portsmouth Public Schools. She vividly described the fear that accompanied lockdown drills, where the threat of gun violence loomed large. “I’ve crouched in dark classrooms during lockdown drills,” she shared, reflecting on the anxiety that gripped her and her peers. “I always thought of my younger brother, where I’d find him afterwards, how fast I’d have to run out of the building.” Her words painted a stark picture of the emotional toll that such drills take on students, emphasizing that the presence of firearms in educational settings is not a solution but a symptom of a deeper crisis.

The student argued that introducing firearm training into schools would not enhance safety but rather normalize the presence of guns in an environment where they do not belong. “The root of gun violence in schools isn't a lack of knowledge. It's the choice to cause harm,” she asserted, urging lawmakers to reconsider the implications of the proposed amendment. Her heartfelt plea resonated with many in attendance, as she called for a focus on creating a safe learning environment free from the fear of gun violence.

Kathleen Slover, a former PTA member, echoed these sentiments, sharing her experience of advocating for student safety without ever encountering a demand for gun safety training in schools. “The responsibility for safe gun ownership is on the adults, not kids,” she stated, emphasizing that parents and community members have prioritized mental health and crisis intervention over firearm education for students. Slover’s testimony highlighted a disconnect between legislative proposals and the actual needs and desires of the community.

As the meeting progressed, the voices of those affected by gun violence continued to rise, urging lawmakers to listen to their experiences and concerns. Emma Savini, a children's behavioral health policy coordinator, also joined the conversation, representing a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy change. Her presence underscored the importance of addressing the broader implications of gun violence on mental health and community safety.

The discussions at the meeting reflected a growing tension between legislative efforts to introduce firearm training in schools and the lived experiences of students and parents who advocate for a different approach to safety. As the committee deliberates on the proposed amendment, the voices of those who have faced the realities of gun violence serve as a powerful reminder of the need for thoughtful and compassionate policy-making that prioritizes the well-being of students.