Self-defense in Romanian schools: Teacher would like to have the right to carry a gun at school

A teacher from a Romanian high school took things a little too far in a recent Facebook post. Stefan Lupu, a violin teacher at the Hariclea Darclee Arts High School in Braila, wrote in a Facebook post that teachers should be allowed to carry weapons at school to “shoot those who refuse to hand over the mobile phone”, or speak in an offensive manner. His message was a reaction to the Student Council’s proposal to allow students to use mobile phones in schools. “This is no joke! I am one of those who fear the “tomorrows” in Romanian schools. So allow me to come up with a counterproposal to the students’ alleged “right” to use the mobile phones in schools – I speak about the teacher’s right to carry a weapon in school! Why? you ask…To shoot the “student” who refuses to hand over the gadget, or speaks in an offensive manner, no matter the subject, or any other things like that! You might think I am crazy! Very well! In this case, a specialist psychiatric consultation is necessary - before the one for teachers – for the students aged under 16, so that the teachers can adopt an appropriate behavior when it comes to certain reactions,” reads the teacher’s Facebook post, cited by local Mediafax. The high school’s management started an investigation in this case. Niculai Enea, the school principal, said that he had a first talk with the teacher in question, who now regretted the Facebook post. However, the principal will ask for a meeting of the Ethics Commission to analyze to what extent the teacher’s idea affected the school’s image. Moreover, he also said that the students also disagreed with the teacher’s comment, especially because no major incidents related to the children’s behavior had been reported in their high school. Stefan Lupu, 59, has been a teacher at the Hariclea Darclee High School for many years. He has had a rich educational activity and good results with students, according to the school's representatives. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com