A resolution to send correspondence to parents informing them of pending state legislation on the requiring of safe storage of firearms and ammunition to prevent juveniles from accessing and potentially injuring themselves or others was passed by a 7-2 vote of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee on Monday evening.

And although the lone amendment to the proposed resolution was to include the Portuguese language in that correspondence, the emotional testimony heard on either side of the issue emphasized the polarizing nature of the gun violence topic that has embattled the nation, from the most prevalent stages to the most local governing boards.

The resolution itself dictates that the student handbook shall adopt language regarding parents’ legal responsibility to safely store firearms within their homes, that a letter will be sent annually to parents and guardians informing them of that responsibility, and that “the School Committee and the Superintendent will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies, health agencies and non-profits to collaborate and increase efforts to inform District parents of their obligations regarding secure storage of firearms in their homes.”

An emotional discussion ensues
School Committee member Marjorie McBride felt that the resolution and proposed communication was an overreach of the school committee’s power, despite her personal aversion to guns.

“I think if I had my druthers, people wouldn’t have guns. But I don’t have my druthers. So I vote for people who believe the same way I do. But that doesn’t mean that I reach into peoples’ houses to tell them what to do in their homes. I believe that is the responsibility of the state and the federal government, and I don’t think that we should be messing around with this other than to strongly support and work with, if so asked, our police departments, our town councils, our state and our federal reps,” she said. “As much as I agree that guns are a terrible thing and they shouldn’t be here, and I don’t want them here, this is something that isn’t in our purview.”

Chairperson Nicky Piper retorted that McBride’s hesitancy regarding the resolution was based on false rumors that the state law being considered would create a registry of households that have firearms — for some unspecified yet assumedly nefarious purpose.

“This is a falsehood that was spread by some people throughout the community, and it’s dangerous because it’s a fake rumor. There is nothing on here about anyone going into anybody’s home. There is nothing on here about collecting signatures from anybody,” Piper said. “This is purely in the same way that we remind parents that they should lock up their prescription medication to keep the kids safe. In the same way that we suggest to parents that they should remove phones during dinner. It is about creating healthy, safe environments for our students. There is nothing in here about the school district having any interest in going into anybody’s home.”

Secretary Tara Thibaudeau said that she was originally opposed to the ordinance because it felt like an overreach of power, but after talking to gun owners and those testifying at the State House regarding pending legislation on the issue, she felt an increase in gun safety education was indeed necessary. Her vote in opposition of the resolution came from the perspective that she was uncomfortable supporting legislation that had not yet been finalized or voted upon.

“We need to get the information out to the students and the families,” she said. “These are all extremely important, but I don’t feel we’re at a point where we can make this policy actually work or be effective because we don’t know what the current language is going to be right now.”

Committee member Sarah Bullard was appalled that there was any opposition to the concept of trying to raise awareness about the safe storage of firearms in homes occupied by children.

“I am so truly shocked that anyone could sit up here and say ‘Let’s just wait a bit.’ There have been more mass shootings than days this year. Children cannot learn to read and write and do mathematics if they are dead,” she said. “This is something that as a committee, we can say we care about the safety of children. I do not understand. It’s not saying we’re going into anyone’s home. It’s not enforceable. But if one person sees that, and says, ‘Oh wow, I better store my ammunition separately.’ If one person sees that, that’s enough. We don’t have to know the law.”

McBride made the point that the committee should defer to local law enforcement on the issue. Superintendent Ana Riley pointed out that both Chief Kevin Lynch of Bristol and Chief Roy Borges of Warren were in support of the resolution and the pending state legislation, and that Chief Lynch had testified in support of that legislation.

“The experts have spoken,” Bullard continued, her voice shaking with emotion. “The experts have already said this is a good idea. I cannot understand this amorphous idea of, ‘Oh, we’re going into peoples’ homes.’ I cannot understand that. It makes no sense. You want to measure that up against a child’s life? Or ten children? That’s insane to me.”

McBride and Thibaudeau were the lone votes against the resolution, with the rest of the committee voting in approval.