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Action needed on gun issue

By Staff | Feb 18, 2019

In October, the Nashua School District’s Weapons on School Property policy had to be changed to align with state law. The original policy stated: “Weapons are not permitted on school property, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities. This policy applies to students and members of the public alike. Student violations of this policy will result on both school disciplinary action and notification of local law enforcement authorities. Members of the public who violate this will be reported to local law enforcement authorities. Any person who brings a weapon on school property will be reported to law enforcement authorities.” The board amended the policy by removing the second and fourth lines.

Current state law prohibits local governments from regulating firearms, except in very narrow circumstances. In 2017, Gov. Chris Sununu signed Senate Bill 12 into law, which allows concealed carry of firearms without a permit.

Last week, the Board of Education, though, voted 5-4 to send a letter to the New Hampshire Legislature expressing support for House Bill 101. This would allow a school district, school administrative unit or chartered public school to adopt and enforce a policy regulating firearms, firearms components, ammunition, firearms supplies, or knives within its jurisdiction.

This seems like a common-sense step to eliminate the possibility of firearms being on school campuses – a place they do not belong.

“Nashua schools should have the right to follow a sensible safety policy that fits our community,” wrote New Hampshire State Representative and Nashua Alderwoman Jan Schmidt

Several board members want more discussion on the issue, while others want to leave the issue up to the Legislature.

The Legislature, though, has thus far failed the public on this issue, especially in light of multiple schools shootings over the past several years.

Guns and weapons of any kind have no place on high school – or even college – campuses. If the Legislature is not going to act and take an officials stance, they then should pass the power down to local boards of education to make the decision for themselves.

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