Wisconsin to consider concealed carry permits for 18 year-olds

Across the country, great steps are being taken to keep our schools safe. Our schools have gotten more secure, with locked doors, cameras, security guards and bans on weapons. But some Wisconsin lawmakers think it’s a good idea to allow those as young as 18 to be able to have weapons on school property. Bills are being circulated in Madison which would allow those 18 and older to get a concealed carry permit. And they want to allow those permit holders to have those guns in their vehicles on school grounds. They argue we shouldn’t allow people in Wisconsin to buy guns at age 18, but then deny them a concealed carry permit until they turn 21. Do they really think it is a good idea to, despite all the efforts being made to ensure the safety of our students, have more guns in and around schools? After all we’ve invested in school safety? An 18 year-old student angry over a fight, or a breakup, or being bullied the hallway, doesn’t need easier access to guns. We have seen far too many school shootings and too many innocent lives have been lost. Our lawmakers should not make it easier for an 18 year-old on school property to have access to weapons. And we shouldn’t have to remind them of that.