Humble, Texas, November 21, 2025
Humble Independent School District has enacted a pilot program that permits certain staff members to carry firearms on campus, inciting apprehension among parents regarding safety and the implications of arming school employees. While the district assures a thorough vetting process for participants, community feedback remains a pivotal part of the program’s gradual rollout.
Humble, Texas – Parents Express Concern as Humble ISD Implements School Marshal Program
Humble Independent School District (ISD) has initiated a pilot program allowing select employees to carry firearms on campus, a decision that has raised concerns among some parents.
Program Details
The Humble ISD Board of Trustees approved the school marshal program, permitting certain district employees to bring guns to school. This program, established in 2013 and overseen by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, aims to enhance campus safety by having trained personnel present in case of emergencies. Participants must undergo an 80-hour training course and a psychological evaluation to qualify. The program is voluntary, and employees who choose to participate will be subject to background checks and psychological assessments before being authorized to carry firearms on campus. The district emphasizes that school marshals will not have law enforcement authority and will only act to prevent or address serious threats to the safety of students, staff, or visitors. The identity of school marshals is confidential and not subject to public information requests, except for specific details provided to certain authorities. The program is designed to be implemented gradually, with ongoing discussions and feedback from the community.
Parental Concerns
Some parents have expressed apprehension about the presence of firearms on school grounds. They question the safety implications and the appropriateness of arming school staff members. The district acknowledges these concerns and has committed to a careful and deliberate rollout of the program, ensuring that all participants are thoroughly vetted and trained.
Background Context
The school marshal program was introduced in Texas following the 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. It allows school districts to designate employees who are licensed to carry firearms to serve as protectors on campus. The program is intended to provide an additional layer of security and deter potential threats. Participation is voluntary, and districts are required to establish written regulations governing the program, including the number of marshals per campus and the circumstances under which they may use their firearms.
Key Features of the School Marshal Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Employees must hold a license to carry a concealed handgun and complete required training and psychological evaluation. |
| Training | Participants undergo an 80-hour training course and a psychological assessment to ensure readiness and suitability. |
| Confidentiality | The identity of school marshals is confidential and not subject to public information requests, except for specific details provided to certain authorities. |
| Implementation | The program is being implemented gradually, with ongoing discussions and feedback from the community to address concerns and ensure safety. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the school marshal program?
The school marshal program is a Texas initiative that allows school districts to designate certain employees to carry firearms on campus to enhance safety. Participants must complete specific training and evaluations to qualify.
Why is Humble ISD implementing this program?
The district aims to provide an additional layer of security and deter potential threats by having trained personnel present in case of emergencies.
How are participants selected for the program?
Employees who hold a license to carry a concealed handgun and volunteer for the program undergo an 80-hour training course and a psychological evaluation to ensure readiness and suitability.
What are the confidentiality measures in place?
The identity of school marshals is confidential and not subject to public information requests, except for specific details provided to certain authorities.
How is the program being implemented?
The program is being implemented gradually, with ongoing discussions and feedback from the community to address concerns and ensure safety.
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