The Natrona County School District is set to vote on a controversial gun policy after a public comment session drew significant parental concern. The proposed changes come in response to a new state law, which eliminated gun-free zones in public spaces, including school properties. As a result, individuals with concealed carry permits will be allowed to bring firearms onto school grounds, pending the district’s approval of its policy.
During the public meeting held at the Central Services Facility, attendees displayed signs voicing their opposition to the policy, with one reading, “I want to attend graduations not funerals.” Only seven individuals spoke before the Board of Trustees, and remarkably, just one expressed support for allowing guns in schools. The board’s decision is anticipated at their meeting on March 4, 2024.
The new state law mandates that K-12 staff and volunteers who wish to carry a concealed weapon must undergo a minimum of training. While the state requires basic training, the Natrona County School District has proposed a more robust requirement of 56 hours of training. This would encompass live-fire exercises, scenario-based training, and medical training. Following this initial training, individuals would need to complete 16 hours of training annually to maintain their eligibility to carry firearms on school property.
The policy’s development involved consultations with local law enforcement, including the Casper Police Department. Officers present at the meeting supported the proposed training requirements, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation for anyone carrying a weapon in such sensitive environments.
Despite the legal obligations, many attendees expressed their disagreement with the policy. Jai’Ayla Sutherland, a parent, articulated her concerns, stating, “I understand that you are required to establish a policy, and that it has been very difficult to do, especially when I think most reasonable people know that allowing guns in schools is ridiculous.”
The emotional weight of the issue was reflected in the comments of another parent, Melissa Behringer, who declared that if the law were enacted without a legal challenge, she would remove her children from the district. “We have to draw the line somewhere,” Behringer said, highlighting the deep anxiety surrounding the presence of firearms in educational settings.
The Natrona County School District has been deliberating this policy for several months, grappling with the implications of the new law and community feedback. As the board prepares for the vote, the outcome may significantly influence the district’s approach to school safety and community trust.
The upcoming decision not only reflects the district’s response to state legislation but also underscores the broader societal debate on gun rights and safety in schools. With the public comment period now closed, all eyes will be on the Board of Trustees as they navigate this contentious issue.
