It has come to our attention that the Lewis-Arriola Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization has a 9 mm handgun as an item to be auctioned off at the annual Hoedown silent auction.

If this were a Ducks or Trout Unlimited fundraiser or a benefit to help offset someone’s medical expenses, we would be all for it. This is not about the Second Amendment. This is about creating a safe and supportive environment for our students and teachers.

The job of a PTO is to not just monetarily help their teachers, but to champion and advocate in a way that teachers feel heard and valued. How is auctioning an item at an event to finance the RE-1 Montezuma-Cortez School District that has been used in mass school shootings helping to create a safe place for teachers and students?

It is in fact a slap in the face to our teachers and students. Is money more important than respecting our teachers who literally put their lives on the line daily to educate our youth?

Doug and Deanna Bagge

Cortez