Teachers Have New Line Of Defense - Bulletproof Whiteboards


Published Jan 28, 2013 at 03:05 PM | 1,072 views

Hardwire, a Maryland-based manufacturer of military armor and law-enforcement protective gear, has developed a white board that can stop a bullet fired from point-blank range.

The idea is that teachers can use these whiteboards for everyday instruction and then if, God forbid, someone with a gun enters the classroom they can use it to protect themselves and their students. The 18 by 20 inch whiteboard weighs just 3.75 pounds which makes it simple to pick up and move for use in general instruction for the classroom. It has three rubberized handles on the back which help the teacher carry it around, or they can slip their forearm inside the handles effectively turning it into a shield.

George Tunis, CEO and chairman of Hardwire decided to create this product after learning of the deadly shootings. "It's something I don't think any American can tolerate anymore, and we're in a position to do something about it" he said in an interview.

The thought is that having access to a bulletproof white board that is large enough to hide behind and protect the teacher's head and torso will give them enough time and protection to respond to an emergency. This is essentially buying them the time they need until the police can respond to the situation.

Tunis calls these whiteboards a last line of defense in the event of another school shooting. While it is hoped that nobody would ever have to use them, it is better to have this last line of defense in place just in case. He also donated 90 of these boards, valued at approximately $20,000, to the school where he sends his children.

Teachers at the school appreciate having them in their classroom and generally agree that every additional layer of protection helps the teachers and students feel safer.