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Can Ann Arbor and Clio schools legally ban guns? State Supreme Court to decide.

young kids playing with toys on floor
Jennifer Guerra
/
Michigan Radio

The state Supreme Court will decide whether schools can legally ban guns on school property. The court has agreed to hear the case, in which gun rights groups are challenging gun bans in Ann Arbor and Clio. They say state law preempts school policies, and that gun bans don't keep schools safer.

“You’re going to keep the good people out, but if you’re not going to do anything to keep the people out that truly are intent on harm, the ones we truly need to worry about, then what are we doing here?” said Tom Lambert of Michigan Open Carry. 

But school officials say it’s the job of superintendents and principals to make sure students and teachers feel safe.

“We think that the locally elected board of education, the community, and others who live there, and who work there really should be making these types of decisions," said Chris Wigent of the Michigan Association of School Administrators. "This should be a local district decision.”

The state Supreme Court will hear arguments and issue its ruling next year.

The Legislature is also working on the question of allowing guns in schools.

     

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.
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