Meekhof: Change School Gun Decision
(WJBK) - He has not read the entire decision, but suffice it to say that the senate GOP leader is ready to change it.
Last week two courts ruled that Michigan schools are not part of local government and therefore free to set their own guns-in-school policies.
"It's a bad ruling," opines Senator Arlan Meekhof. The pro-gun lawmaker tells MIRS," I think they got it wrong" and he says he will try to change it when the legislature reconvenes next year.
The Ann Arbor schools challenged the state's open carry provision in schools but Mr. Meekhof believe since there is an elected school board, "they're considered local government here in Michigan...How can that not be a government?"
For months the Senate Majority leader and the governor have been discussing gun policy in schools with no apparent agreement. This latest development re-opens the emotional issue pitting the NRA against the anti-gun lobby.
Asked what it would mean if guns are banned from schools, be it open carry or concealed weapons, and Mr. Meekhof contends, "I think it's now a criminal empowerment zone. That's where criminals will go because they know there's no resistance and that's a danger to our kids."
After the MIRS interview, Mr. Meekhof returned moments later with another quote that might get the attention of the school lobby. "If they think they are local government, they don't need money from us."