On Friday, in a split decision, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that it is legal for Michigan schools to ban guns on their property, including for those who legally have a conceal carry permit, or CCW.
The only people who are excused from the ban are police officers, WDIV Detroit reported.
In April, the Michigan Supreme Court heard two like cases involving school boards in Ann Arbor and Clio Township, which had both passed firearm bans on school property.
Both cases involved parents, who had concealed carry permits, being permitted on school grounds.
State law prohibits concealed weapons in schools but does not specifically prohibit permit holders from openly carrying.
The seven justices heard the arguments during a time when the nation was divided over school safety and deadly school shootings, The Detroit News reported.
Looking at preventative action, the issue was heard Friday by the high court.
The plaintiffs argued that Michigan has averted the field of firearm regulation and that school districts cannot adopt their own stricter policies.
The court agreed.
Schools can ban guns, Michigan Supreme Court rules. https://t.co/D8RKpRQL4d pic.twitter.com/clUyd4ewDK
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) July 27, 2018
Superintendent Jeanice Swift called Friday’s ruling a “victory for the children of Michigan” that ensures local school boards will be able to choose gun policies that best fit their community.
“It is the business of law to draw lines, and today the Michigan Supreme Court has drawn a definitive line on the side of local choice in enacting policies to keep our children safe at school. In Ann Arbor, we believe that the possession of a gun in school, other than by sworn officers, runs counter to what we are hard-wired to do as educators: keep our students, staff, and families safe and ensure a warm, welcoming environment where our students may grow, learn and thrive at school,” Swift said in a statement.
Those at the Close Quarter Tactical Gun Range in Macomb County disagreed.
Ethan Croey, who is in the process of getting his concealed carry permit, said: “Is it really safe without guns? When it comes to public buildings – libraries or schools – not every one of them has security or guards. As long as you’re a CCW owner, you should be able to carry.”
A full statement released by the Ann Arbor school district can be read here.
