Highland Park ISD To Allow Some Employees Access To Weapons

Highland Park ISD is moving forward with a plan to allow some employees access to weapons.

The plan was passed in October and it's called "The Defender Program". It would see weapons stored in a safe area accessible to employees who meet certain criteria.

Not only will the employees have to be Concealed Handgun License holders, they must take a further three days of instruction provided by Highland Park ISD. The training will focus on hostage situations, crisis intervention, and more.

Part of the impetus for The Defender Program is Highland Park's location, distant from some emergency services. It has been reported that ambulances take about 20 minutes to reach the ISD.

Highland Park ISD Superintendent Buddy Freeman has said they have safeguards in place to ensure students don't access the weapons.