Arkansas Bill to have CCW in Schools, incrementalism
Culture/Society Breaking News News Keywords: GUNS, CONCEAL AND CARRY,
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Source: dallasnews.com
Published: 1-23-01 Author: AP
Posted on 01/23/2001 21:06:11 PST by oursacredhonor
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ? Days after the House approved a measure allowing guns
in public parks and restaurants, an even more controversial measure is on
the table: allowing guns on school property.
Both bills were offered by Rep. Randy Minton, R-Ward. He says people with
concealed-weapons permits have proved to be the “most responsible”
residents.
Mr. Minton plans to bring the gun measure to the House Education Committee
on Tuesday.
Mr. Minton says that permit holders have earned the right to carry weapons
and that it’s a hassle for those who drop off their kids at school but have
weapons in their cars.
“These are our model citizens. It’s an inconvenience for those who travel,”
Mr. Minton said.
In a state where memories of the Jonesboro school shooting are still fresh,
others say guns don’t belong anywhere near schools.
“We want guns as far away from schools as possible,” said Linda Pondexter,
president of the Arkansas Education Association, which opposes the bill.
“We understand people can make mistakes, but mistakes can end in death.”
Rep. Tracy Steele, D-North Little Rock, added: “I don’t think the way to
solve problems in a violent community is with violence. There’s a chance
that too many innocent people can be hurt.”
Rep. Dean Elliott, R-Maumelle, said he hadn’t made up his mind on the
issue, but “I don’t know that there’s a lot of support for Representative
Minton’s bill.”
The bill says that those with concealed-weapons permits can tote guns onto
school property.
The Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators has safety concerns
and opposes the bill as it stands.
“We feel it’s not appropriate under any conditions to have a gun on school
property,” assistant director Charles Knox said.
Mr. Minton said he would narrow the legislation to allow weapons only in
vehicles as parents drop off their kids and require that the weapons not be
removed from the vehicles.