by lwoolley on Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:17 am
The headline on page one of Saturday’s KDH of 21 April reads: “Weapons found at 3 middle schools. Parents worry about student safety at Killeen ISD’s campuses.” Parents should also worry because it is against State law to allow a child under the age of 17 access to a readily dischargeable firearm without adult supervision (see TX PC 46.13 (b)). Dr. Muller, Superintendent of KISD confirmed in a letter to the KDH editor on Sunday 22 April that all the weapons were guns.
KISD does not provide weapons to students. In fact, they have a strict policy about bringing guns and other weapons to any school campus or facility. They have established gun free zones around each KISD campus. They even have a pro-active weapon reporting and control system in place. I think KISD is doing its’ part to protect students.
Underage students cannot legally purchase weapons from a licensed gun store or a private citizen. So, unless the guns are stolen, chances are the guns brought to school are from the child’s home. I feel parents must take responsibility to control access to weapons in their home, and be held accountable if they do not. Maybe KISD parents should follow President Kennedy’s famous notion, “Ask not what KISD can do for you, but rather what can you do for KISD?”
Please secure your hand guns and long guns in a locked safe or container to which a child does not have access. This is not difficult or expensive. It is the right thing to do and complies with the law. It also would go a long way to help prevent guns on school campuses. More importantly, it might prevent a real tragedy of a child’s death. It might even help all parents (I have adult children working for KISD and grandchildren attending KISD schools) worry a little less. Gun safety, just like a child’s education, is a parental responsibility at its core, and cannot be abdicated without consequence.
George G. Van Riper
Harker Heights, TX