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Overturn law that allows guns in schools, Muskegon-area school leaders tell Legislatu

mikestilly

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http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/10/overturn_law_that_allows_guns.html


Overturn law that allows guns in schools, Muskegon-area school leaders tell Legislature

By Lynn Moore | lmoore8@mlive.com
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on October 26, 2013 at 12:03 PM, updated October 26, 2013 at 12:10 PM


MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Muskegon-area school leaders say state laws that require schools hold lockdown drills to prepare for armed intruders while at the same time allow adults to openly carry guns into schools are confusing and have resulted in "panic" situations.

They are calling on legislators to make it illegal for guns to be brought into schools. They say it's nonsensical that guns can be brought onto school property – whether it's a school bus, a football field or an elementary school -- but cannot be taken into courtrooms, the state Capitol, or planes.

"By allowing adults to carry weapons openly in schools, we create confusion, apprehension, and disruption," Muskegon Area Intermediate School district Superintendent Dave Sipka wrote in a letter to the editor that he's also sending to area legislators.

Federal law designates schools as "weapon-free zones," but state laws can supersede it as does Michigan's Open Carry Act. That law allows those who have a concealed pistol to carry a gun into a school as long as it's openly displayed.

"I know gun advocates probably think the other way, but I just don't see how allowing people to carry guns into school is really helpful," Sipka said.

The Rockford school board also recently asked legislators to change the law in a formal resolution. It noted that guns cannot be carried into churches, bars, day care centers or hospitals.

Sipka said superintendents of Muskegon County's public school districts as well as leaders from parochial and charter schools recently met with law enforcement officials to discuss their options. School leaders were told they can't pass their own local policies prohibiting weapons in schools.

They also were advised to call police if someone came onto school property with a gun so that the officer can ascertain if the person has the proper permit, Sipka said. He said law enforcement officials told school leaders a person does not legally have to present a concealed pistol license to a civilian, but does to a police officer when asked.

Sipka said some area superintendents have said that if someone comes into their school with a gun, they would probably immediately go into lock down – having teachers and students lock themselves inside their classrooms – "and ask questions later."

"We think it's crazy," Sipka said.

Proponents of the open-carry law say those with the proper license are not the ones schools should be worried about. Some have said they have openly carried weapons into school, and didn't witness any panic. Others have said the law should be changed to allow the weapons to be concealed in schools so as not to create that panic.

And there are concerns that restrictions on law-abiding, gun-carrying citizens are leading the country down a slippery slope to overturning the U.S. Constitution's second amendment guaranteeing the right to bear arms.

The coach of Western Michigan Christian High School's soccer team recently stopped a game when a man from the opposing team came to the match openly displaying a pistol. Police were called, and the man was asked to return his gun to his car, and the man seemed to comply. But when school officials later couldn't determine whether the holster on his hip was empty or not, the coach forfeited the game.

Sipka said there have been other incidents locally that have caused concern. He said a parent took a gun onto a Whitehall bus, creating "great concern." In addition, he said Montague Public Schools has had someone openly bringing a gun into a school there.

Montague Superintendent John Weaver did not respond to inquiries seeking comment. Whitehall Superintendent Jerry McDowell downplayed the incident at his district, saying people have the right to carry weapons.

"We're just looking for consistency in legislation so the community knows what the expectation is," McDowell said.

Sipka asked that people refrain from bringing weapons into school so as not to upset teachers and students.

"We (understand) the fact you can carry a gun into school but please don't because it raises anxiety in kids and it raises anxiety in teachers and parents," he said. "We think that's needless at this point."

Sipka said school leaders realize they may be entering controversial territory by bringing up the issue, but sometimes it's necessary to "swat the hornet's nest."

"I've been warned, 'Maybe you don't want to bring this up,'" Sipka said. "But the superintendents in Muskegon County are united in this. We think it's time somebody said something."

Lynn Moore covers education for MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at lmoore8@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter and Google+.
 

Raggs

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typical, the article has many "facts" just plain wrong as is pointed out, and as usual the argument comes down to one side being emotional and the other mainly being fact based.
 

fozzy71

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Mar 18, 2010
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Roseville, Michigan, USA
typical, the article has many "facts" just plain wrong as is pointed out, and as usual the argument comes down to one side being emotional and the other mainly being fact based.

There was so much wrong in the first 6 paragraphs I didn't bother reading the rest. :banghead:
 

Ezerharden

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Dec 22, 2011
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Location
Erie, MI
There was so much wrong in the first 6 paragraphs I didn't bother reading the rest. :banghead:

Yea, who knew you couldn't carry at the State Capital? I guess I'm lucky I didn't get arrested along with everyone else at the rally's there. SMDH
 

22Luke36

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Sep 5, 2013
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Above and Beyond.
If you can't tell the difference between an armed citizen, and an active shooter, then you have no business acting in any authority or function that involves the safety of children.
 
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