We, staff members of Academy School District 20, voice our concern and opposition to the proposed adoption of the Faculty/Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response (FASTER) program. The FASTER program, which provides firearms training to school staff, may increase risks rather than provide safety. While its proponents argue it enhances school safety, we believe it poses significant risks and diverts attention from more effective educational strategies.

Colorado schools have traditionally prioritized a safe learning environment through preventative measures such as mental health support and controlled access to buildings.  Introducing firearms into this setting could potentially escalate conflicts rather than defuse them. Furthermore, introducing firearms into an educational environment can disproportionately affect marginalized groups who already face systemic discrimination and violence. A study by Everytown for Gun Safety found that there were at least 65 incidents of guns being mishandled in schools across America between 2014 and 2020 (Everytown for Gun Safety).

Academy School District 20 has always been committed to fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning without resorting to extreme measures like arming educators. We urge our district leaders to not just consider these facts but also listen to their staff's concerns before making any decisions regarding this matter.

We urge our district leaders to reconsider implementing the FASTER program in our schools. While programs like FASTER have been implemented in small rural districts that lack formal security programs, Academy District 20 has a robust security program that is consistently regarded as one of the best in the city.

Please sign this petition if you stand with us against adopting the FASTER program in Academy School District 20.