Tell your representative: Guns don't belong on school property

In the wake of the slaughter of students and adults at a Florida high school two days ago, will Indiana legislators continue to consider Senate Bill 33, which would make it legal to bring a gun onto school property if the school is also used as a church?

This is the digest of the bill: "Houses of worship and firearms. Permits a person who may legally possess a firearm to possess a firearm on school property, unless prohibited by the house of worship, if the person possesses the firearm: (1) as an employee or volunteer of a house of worship located on the school property; or (2) while attending a worship service or religious ceremony conducted at a house of worship."

As currently written, there is no exemption for public schools which rent or lease their premises to churches for community use.

This bill has passed the Senate and moved to the House, where it has been referred to the House Public Policy Committee. You can take action.

1. Reach out to school employees and parents to let them know about Senate Bill 33.
2. Contact your state representative. Guns don't belong around children. For those of you in Monroe County, Representative Peggy Mayfield serves on the Public Policy Committee. If you manage to reach her, tell us what she says. (Comment below!)
3. Contact the head of the Public Policy Committee, Representative Ben Smaltz, to ask him to show respect to the dead and refuse to hear this bill. His email is h52@iga.in.gov and his office can be reached through the House line, 800-382-9841.