Why does the law continue to allow hidden guns in schools?

Posted 4/7/17

To the editor,

Thank you yet again to the members of the Bristol Town Council for endorsing a resolution to “dis-allow non-law enforcement to carry concealed firearms onto school …

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Why does the law continue to allow hidden guns in schools?

Posted

To the editor,

Thank you yet again to the members of the Bristol Town Council for endorsing a resolution to “dis-allow non-law enforcement to carry concealed firearms onto school grounds.” 

At this time, while our state laws prohibit openly carrying firearms on school grounds, those with a concealed carry permit are allowed to bring those weapons into school buildings, gyms, classrooms, wherever they wish. The potential dangers here are enormous.

Every day we read of injuries and deaths resulting from gunshots fired by mistake, injuries to the gun owner and to innocent bystanders. In addition, sadly, when tempers flare and a firearm is available, it is too easy to reach for the gun. Once again, we read of such incidents with frequency. 

Law enforcement representatives have endorsed the prohibition of carrying concealed weapons in schools. They reference that should they be called to the school for any kind of emergency, with the current laws in place, they have no idea who is carrying and why. It can be difficult in stressful times to tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys.” The presence of concealed weapons in hands other than those of law enforcement make the job more dangerous, and make it more difficult for police to protect the population.

If you feel that this loophole needs to be closed, then please contact Senators Felag, Seveny and Coyne, and Reps. Marshall and Donovan. Ask them to please make this the law of our state, so that our schools will be safe places for our children. Insist that our legislators protect us, and act responsibly.

Again, thank you to Bristol Town Council. I am grateful.

Anne C. Kellerman
217 Hope St.

guns in school

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.