LANSING (WKZO AM/FM) — A group of students from Kalamazoo Central took a field trip to Lansing yesterday, participating in a rally at the State Capitol. 18-year-old Jake Fales and 17-year-old Julia Kemple told the crowd about the online petition they started, which now has over 100-thousand signatures calling for gun control and they wanted to deliver it to lawmakers, but they were disappointed because no Republicans would agree to see them.
Senate Leader Arlen Meekhof made it clear that he thinks they are all wrong about the issue.The Students learned what they are up against.
While they were outside, the Michigan House yesterday was considering a bill to make English the official language in the state. It’s a bill that comes up every year in the House and sometimes passes and is then routinely defeated in the Senate.
Sponsor Tom Barrett says it wouldn’t hinder teaching foreign languages, but just makes a statement. Critics say it’s the wrong statement, a slap in the face of the diverse population in the state that would just tell immigrants they aren’t welcome here.
The Student protestors are getting a lot of support from Kalamazoo School Officials. Last night the Kalamazoo School Board approved a resolution that essentially goes along with the students’ agenda but, with more specifics.
The resolution calls for a review of gun laws, more mental health funding for community and school workers, background reviews for all gun purchases and a continued ban on guns in schools. Trustee Carol McGlinn and several other board members say they applaud the students for their efforts.
Board President Patti Sholller-Barber says they plan to send that to all local area representatives and to other school districts to invite them to approve a similar resolution.
