Great conversation - sadly, these conversations (just like on this message board) fade into the background until another shooting transpires.In truth, when removing my own personal views on the matter, the presence of guns on campus do more harm than good, whether in the hands of trained personnel or students or educators.
Having said that, I also believe SROs, when used properly, can serve a very important function. When an SRO can connect with students, and develop a relationship that provides a positive foundation between youth and law enforcement, they can really make a positive impact on the school culture. Like anyone else, it requires trust, mutual respect, and compassion in the absence of overly strict, harsh, and punitive discipline practices.
As for the mental health issue, it's problematic as MOST people with mental health problems do not go on shooting rampages. We estimate around 1 in 5 people experience some form of mental health problems in their lifetime, yet if even a fraction of those people were going around killing people at random, our society would cease to exist as we know it. In fact, people with mental health problems are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.
I raise this point because, in my opinion, any movement for gun control should think more broadly than limiting access to those with histories of mental health problems.