SouthernMoss
06-27-2003, 05:26 PM
Districts work out gun law
By DEBBIE HUMMEL Associated Press writer
SALT LAKE CITY -- The state's two largest school districts are working out the details of how to enforce a new Utah law allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons into classrooms.
But a sticking point has emerged: Any use of a weapon on school grounds -- lawful or not -- likely wouldn't be covered by the schools' state insurance provider. Instead, the employee who brings the gun to school would be liable for its use.
Officials from the Granite district in Salt Lake City and Jordan district in Salt Lake County met with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on Tuesday to discuss their tentative concealed weapon policies.
Schools across Utah are reviewing their weapons policies to conform to a law passed by the Legislature earlier this year that allows employees to bring concealed weapons in schools as long as the weapon is covered, not left in the open and is "readily accessible for immediate use."
Granite and Jordan are updating their policies to reflect the law while making clear that if an employee carries a concealed weapon, he or she does so at their own risk.
Shurtleff said the schools' draft policies don't appear to clash with the new state law.
"We all have the same goals: to protect kids and obey any policy involving state law," Shurtleff said.
While districts adjust their policies, questions linger about whether the districts' polices, Shurtleff said.
The issue is whether gun-toters are acting within their scope of employment, said Alan Edwards, director of the State Division of Risk Management, which insures the schools.
If an employee's job description included carrying a gun, the insurance carrier would cover any damage or legal bills stemming from its use, he said.
"I think the school should exercise good judgment on who they have carrying weapons on their behalf. I think it's appropriate that the schools are saying, 'If someone uses it in accordance with state law there would be no discipline taken,"' Edwards said.
But the insurance question remains.
Cal Evans, executive director for compliance and special programs in the Jordan school district, said his district's tentative policy makes clear that if a concealed weapons carrier fires a gun at a school, that person will be liable for their actions.
"The state law gives you a right to carry the weapon. If its use is outside your scope of employment ... its use is your own individual choice and your own individual responsibility," Evans said.
Evans said he isn't convinced the new law will make schools safer.
By DEBBIE HUMMEL Associated Press writer
SALT LAKE CITY -- The state's two largest school districts are working out the details of how to enforce a new Utah law allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons into classrooms.
But a sticking point has emerged: Any use of a weapon on school grounds -- lawful or not -- likely wouldn't be covered by the schools' state insurance provider. Instead, the employee who brings the gun to school would be liable for its use.
Officials from the Granite district in Salt Lake City and Jordan district in Salt Lake County met with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff on Tuesday to discuss their tentative concealed weapon policies.
Schools across Utah are reviewing their weapons policies to conform to a law passed by the Legislature earlier this year that allows employees to bring concealed weapons in schools as long as the weapon is covered, not left in the open and is "readily accessible for immediate use."
Granite and Jordan are updating their policies to reflect the law while making clear that if an employee carries a concealed weapon, he or she does so at their own risk.
Shurtleff said the schools' draft policies don't appear to clash with the new state law.
"We all have the same goals: to protect kids and obey any policy involving state law," Shurtleff said.
While districts adjust their policies, questions linger about whether the districts' polices, Shurtleff said.
The issue is whether gun-toters are acting within their scope of employment, said Alan Edwards, director of the State Division of Risk Management, which insures the schools.
If an employee's job description included carrying a gun, the insurance carrier would cover any damage or legal bills stemming from its use, he said.
"I think the school should exercise good judgment on who they have carrying weapons on their behalf. I think it's appropriate that the schools are saying, 'If someone uses it in accordance with state law there would be no discipline taken,"' Edwards said.
But the insurance question remains.
Cal Evans, executive director for compliance and special programs in the Jordan school district, said his district's tentative policy makes clear that if a concealed weapons carrier fires a gun at a school, that person will be liable for their actions.
"The state law gives you a right to carry the weapon. If its use is outside your scope of employment ... its use is your own individual choice and your own individual responsibility," Evans said.
Evans said he isn't convinced the new law will make schools safer.