Duval Schools could allow guns in cars

A potentially significant change to Duval County Public Schools’ gun policy is under consideration, one that could allow parents, teachers and other authorized adults to keep legally owned firearms secured inside their vehicles while parked on school property.

The Duval County School Board discussed the proposal during a workshop Thursday, October 1. No final decision has been made.

Under the proposed change, administrators, employees, independent contractors and parents could keep a legally possessed firearm inside a vehicle on school property, provided the weapon is securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use.

Students would not be included in the proposed exception.

Debate follows Baldwin school gun incident

The discussion comes shortly after a high-profile incident at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School.

On September 15, school officials received an anonymous tip that Principal Michael Smith had a firearm in his vehicle on campus. A loaded gun was subsequently discovered, and Smith was issued a misdemeanor criminal citation and reassigned to home duties.

Officials said there was no indication that Smith intended to harm anyone.

The incident has put renewed attention on Duval County’s existing policy, which currently prohibits firearms on district property.

Florida law provides certain exceptions for firearms securely stored inside vehicles, while school districts have authority to impose restrictions on guns in vehicles on their property.

School Board divided over the issue

Thursday’s discussion showed differing views among board members and the community.

Supporters of changing the policy argue that parents and school employees who legally possess firearms should not lose their ability to keep a secured weapon in their vehicle simply because they drive onto school property.

Board member Anthony Ricardo argued during the meeting that the current district policy interferes with the constitutional rights of parents and teachers.

Others have raised questions about student safety and whether allowing additional firearms in vehicles on school campuses could create new risks.

Florida PTA President Jude Bruno has said the district should explain how such a change would improve student safety and how the policy would be enforced.

For now, nothing changes.

Duval County’s existing restrictions remain in effect while the School Board considers whether to move forward with the proposal.

A final vote on the policy change could come as early as November 10, according to Jacksonville Today.