In recent weeks, a troubling pattern has emerged from schools across the United States: children bringing guns onto school property.
In one case, according to a statement from the Memphis Police Department (MPD), a firearm was discovered in the backpack of a 7-year-old student at Evans Elementary School on Cottonwood Road on Friday morning. MPD officers responded to the school’s call around 8:40 a.m. on April 26.
“Parents and students are safe, and the school has been secured. The situation was promptly addressed this morning, and no individuals were harmed.” Subsequently, parents received an additional message informing them, “As a precautionary measure, we have decided to enforce a no backpack policy for the remainder of the school year. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.”
Meanwhile, a firearm was discovered in the student’s backpack upon his arrival at Oasis, the alternative high school, in Mt. Pleasant. Prosecutor David Barberi clarified that the regulations regarding safe storage do not pertain to this case. According to Barberi, the student acquired the gun, reported as stolen, from another individual. The teenager is now facing charges for bringing the weapon onto school grounds, with the possibility of being prosecuted as an adult. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Addressing the issue of parental responsibility, a bill filed in Alabama by Representative Barbara Drummond could potentially penalize parents if their child brings a gun from home to school. The legislation, which initially proposed a Class C felony but has since been modified to a Class A misdemeanor, aims to ensure that firearms are stored properly.
The situation in Roy, Utah, highlighted the frequency of these occurrences, with three separate incidents at Roy High School in just two weeks. Students were found with firearms on school property, and while there were no threats involved, the students now face criminal charges and disciplinary action.
In a communication addressed to parents on Thursday, April 25, the school district made an appeal for assistance.
“We are grateful for everyone’s diligence in reporting any concerns to school authorities, and we urge students to ‘speak up if they witness something.’ Parents, we also seek your support. Kindly engage in conversations with your children regarding the repercussions of bringing a firearm to school. It is important to note that even replica weapons and toy guns are not allowed. Furthermore, we request that you ensure your firearms are securely stored in your residence and are consistently monitored for accountability.”
Relevant articles:
– 7-year-old brings gun to school in backpack, police say, fox13memphis.com, 04/27/2024
– Prosecutor: No evidence parents are liable after police say student brought gun to Mt. Pleasant school, 9 & 10 News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:18:00 GMT
– Mobile legislator files bill that could penalize parents if child brings a gun from home to school, Fox 10 News, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 22:33:00 GMT
– District asks parents for help after Roy High School has 3 incidents with guns in 2 weeks, KSLTV, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:09:51 GMT