Michigan parent may have violated school policy with open-carry gun

HOWELL, Mich —A Michigan resident openly carried a gun at Parker Middle School's orientation day Thursday. Although what he did was legal under Michigan law, it's not clear whether he might have violated school district policy by not informing school officials.

Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor is collecting facts before contacting police, which complies with the district’s policy. If the man — identified on the Facebook post as Francis Winegarden — did not inform the school of his weapon or show proof of a permit prior to walking into the building, he would have violated district policy.

After orientation, Winegarden posted a photo of himself with two kids around him on the Michigan Open Carry Inc. Facebook page.

His post, which has caused conversation on the sensitive topic, read: "Open carried at parker middle school in Howell MI for the kids orientation...No problem at all!!!..nice thing was I had a chance to educate a few people in the process!!!"

Open carried at parker middle school in... - Francis Winegarden | Facebook

The Howell district requires individuals check in with the main office and notify administration they are open carrying a gun and to show their permit. The district would then notify police authorities to verify the permit is legitimate.

MacGregor said he's not aware of staff members notifying administration of Winegarden openly carrying his gun.

Calls and emails to Winegarden had not been returned by Friday.

At least one parent was furious over the situation.

"Why are you that fearful going into a school to bring your gun?" Lesley Schafer asked. "I wholeheartedly disagree with this particular law. I think it’s disgusting that people can open carry in an environment such as a school. It was irresponsible and puts mine and other children in danger.”

In Michigan, those who have a concealed pistol license are able to openly carry on school grounds; however, there are policies set in place at school districts to ensure student safety.

A state legislator is pushing for a new law to prevent gun owners from openly carrying their weapons in schools and other gun-free zones.

“Student safety is our first priority,” MacGregor said. “We have procedures in place to ensure student and staff safety if a weapon is brought on school grounds.”

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