Mississippi News
State board finalizes updated policy on guns in schools
State board finalizes updated policy on guns in schools
The State Board of Education voted Thursday to adopt a new policy regarding weapons on campuses, eliminating an existing one that was not in line with state law.
In 1990, the board created a policy which prohibited weapons in schools, except in the possession of law enforcement officials. The policy also allowed districts to create additional rules about weapons in their district. But in 2012, when state lawmakers passed an enhanced carry law that allowed enhanced permit holders to carry weapons on school campuses, the board never updated its policy.
The board voted in July to adopt a temporary rule change to address this issue, and after receiving and reviewing public comment, the board made its temporary change permanent on Thursday. The new policy reads “each local school district shall have a policy concerning weapons on school premises.”
In the July meeting, the Mississippi Department of Education's (MDE) general counsel referenced an attorney general opinion from 2013, which clarifies that possessing a gun on school property is a felony according to Mississippi law unless one possesses an enhanced concealed carry permit.
The opinion elaborates that people with enhanced concealed carry permits are allowed in the “public areas of a school,” but specifies that “school districts may bar persons, including persons with enhanced carry permits, from areas of the school to which the general public is not allowed.”
In July and in Thursday's press release, MDE recommended that local school boards consult with their board attorneys regarding revisions.
On Thursday, state officials highlighted the new Mississippi School Safety Alliance, which is working to evaluate and revise current state laws, state board policies, protocols, and best practices relating to weapons and other school safety concerns. The alliance is a collaboration between MDE and the Department of Public Safety.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Hatley defeats Hamilton in game one of 2A quarterfinals
SUMMARY: Hatley baseball defeated Hamilton 9-2 on the road, with the Tigers scoring six runs in the fourth inning. John Dallas and Gatlin Brownlee had timely hits to secure the victory. Hatley held Hamilton scoreless after the second inning. The two teams will meet again on Saturday, with Hamilton needing a win to stay alive in the season and Hatley aiming to secure a spot in the state semifinals. The game showcased strong hitting and pitching from the Tigers, who are now one win away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
The post Hatley defeats Hamilton in game one of 2A quarterfinals appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Two wanted for robbing Jackson business on Ellis Avenue
SUMMARY: Jackson police are searching for two men who robbed a business at gunpoint on Ellis Avenue. The suspects entered the business, demanded money at gunpoint, took items, and fled the scene. Detective Tommie Brown is leading the investigation. Anyone with information on the suspects is urged to contact the Jackson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The post Two wanted for robbing Jackson business on Ellis Avenue appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
New Horizon Church plans to relocate to Wingfield High
SUMMARY: New Horizon Church International in Jackson, MS is relocating after being on Ellis Avenue since 2009. Bishop Ronnie Crudup made the decision to sell the shopping center and purchase Wingfield High School when Jackson Public Schools consolidates. The church plans to sell to a commercial retailer to boost the community economically. They have provided services and programs for the area and hope to improve the new space to benefit the community. The decision to relocate came from a divine feeling that their time at the current location is up. They aim to elevate the neighborhood and property values with the new venture.
The post New Horizon Church plans to relocate to Wingfield High appeared first on www.wjtv.com
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