LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Under a blanket of umbrellas, Jefferson County teachers say they are shielding their students from more violence by pushing for gun reform.
"We need to take care of our children. We need to give loving, kind environments and that does not mean guns," said Katie Hughbanks.
She was one of the organizers behind an anti-gun rally at Jefferson Square Park Wednesday night which Hughbanks thought of after the deadly south Florida school shooting.
"We are failing our students by not providing secure schools and secure schools does not mean guns in schools. It means the opposite," she said.
Hughbanks opposes the three gun bills under consideration by Kentucky lawmakers. House Bill 36 would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a license in some locations. House Bill 210 would allow for concealed carry on public and private college campuses. Senate Bill 103 would permit school districts to appoint a school marshal who would be allowed to keep a gun on the property.
"They talk of arming teachers, but I don't have the money for books and paper. Yet, they can find money for guns," said teacher Sally Craven.
Craven is a critic of the current legislation. She wants the state to invest in more mental health programs while weighing the rights under the second amendment.
"Our love of children needs to surpass our love of guns."