Everytown, Montana Moms Demand Action Criticize House Judiciary Committee Passage of Legislation That Would Force School Boards to Allow Hidden, Loaded Guns in K-12 Schools

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today criticized lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee for passing House Bill 385, legislation that would that would force K-12 school districts to let full-time employees – including teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, coaches and janitors – carry hidden, loaded handguns in schools.

STATEMENT FROM PAMELA OWEN, VOLUNTEER WITH THE MONTANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“I’m disappointed and disturbed by the House Judiciary Committee’s vote today. The idea that forcing K-12 schools to allow full-time employees to carry hidden, loaded handguns somehow makes our children safer flies in the face of common sense. Both the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, the nation’s two largest teachers’ organizations, oppose allowing guns in schools – as do parents like me. Our elected leaders should be listening to their constituents and putting the safety of our students first – rather than doing the bidding of the gun lobby.”

STATEMENT FROM JOHN MOFFATT, MEMBER OF THE EVERYTOWN SURVIVOR NETWORK WHO WAS SHOT AND CRITICALLY WOUNDED WHILE SERVING AS THE VICE PRINCIPAL AT FERGUS HIGH SCHOOL IN LEWISTOWN DURING A 1986 SHOOTING THAT KILLED A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER:

“As a victim of gun violence and a former school administrator, I know all too well how easy access to a loaded gun can make everyday disputes deadly. I also know there was absolutely nothing I could have done if I had been armed at that time. Bringing hidden, loaded guns into our children’s classrooms is not the answer – it only takes one mistake for something to go horribly wrong. I’m frustrated by today’s vote and I encourage our legislators to reject House Bill 385 for the safety of our children.”