© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MI Supreme Court Hears Arguments On School Gun Policies

school classroom
Wokandapix
/
Pixabay

The Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether schools can ban firearms, or if that’s preempted by a state law.

As Capital Bureau Chief Rick Pluta explains, the court heard arguments Wednesday.

A state law says cities, townships, villages and counties cannot adopt their own firearms ordinances. But the law is silent on school districts.

School officials say that means they can adopt policies that don’t permit firearms in schools. Gun rights groups say schools are skirting the intent of the law.

Democratic Justice Bridget McCormack asked whether school policies are the same as local ordinances.

“So we have the right to ask you to leave." Says McCormack. "We’re not saying you’re committing a crime, so where’s the conflict?”

Gun rights groups say policies school can’t trump another state law. That law says people with a concealed pistol license can openly carry a firearm 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. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!