Carrying on Campus

Jordan School District
The following comes directly from Jordan School District's Policy Manual (emphasis added):

"JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

"Statement of . . . P O L I C Y

"Number: AA409
"Effective: 6/14/88
"Revision: 7/15/03

"SUBJECT: Scope of Employment

"II. Administration Policy
"The scope of employment policy shall be administered according to the following guidelines:

"Guidelines

"D. Possession or use of a weapon by any employee in a school building, in or on school property, or in conjunction with any school activity, unless specifically authorized by law, is in violation of the law and Jordan School District Policy, and will be subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include termination.

"The law provides that a qualified person may receive a permit “to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self defense….” UCA §53-5-704(1). A concealed dangerous weapon means “…a dangerous weapon that is covered, hidden or secreted in a manner that the public would not be aware of its presence and is readily accessible for immediate use.” UCA §76-10-501 (2)(a).

"Employees of Jordan School District who obtain concealed weapons permits do so in their own individual capacities. Any use of such weapons is outside the scope of employment, is contrary to the purposes of employment by the District and is done solely in the employee’s personal capacity, not as an employee of the District.

"This policy applies to all employees, contract employees, on-site vendors and volunteers."

Is Not "Specifically Authorized by Law"
Utah law makes no specific authorization for "open carry." The law does not prohibit it, either. Utah law is silent on this practice. "Open carry" is legal in Utah just like it's legal to breath air even though the law does not specifically authorize or address either practice.

Is "Specifically Authorized by Law"
What is specificaaly authorized by law is concealed carry on school grounds and in school buildings (see Utah code: 76-10-505.5 and 53-5-704).

Marty's Opinion
The more responsible, law abiding, armed educators we have around our children, the better.

How long did it take for the authorities to take care of business at Virginia Tech? How about Columbine High? How long would it take at your child's school? What if you're the teacher? How long would it take for the authorities to defend your students from an active shooter? How long would it take you to do it? Should you do it? I would love to know what your thoughts are.

If you're interested in the carry policy for your school district or have a response to my opinion, please email me at marty.mckay@yahoo.com and I'll try to include it in my next post.

Thanks all!