POLICY PROHIBITS PEOPLE FROM LOCKING WEAPONS IN VEHICLE

An opinion from South Carolina’s attorney general is forcing the Georgetown County School District to rethink an illegal policy that bans concealed weapons on school property.

Henry McMaster told the district that the policy, which prohibits visitors, parents, teachers and students from carrying weapons on school property including parking lots — even with a concealed carry permit — was a violation of state law.

That law was approved by the General Assembly earlier this year and allows anyone with a concealed carry permit to keep weapons locked in their vehicles on school property.

Rep. Thad Viers (R-Horry) requested the opinion from McMaster because he was concerned about possible second amendment rights violations.

“No one should check their right to defend themselves at the school property line,” Viers told the Myrtle Beach Sun News. “We passed a law that says when you are dropping your kids off at school, you should be able to have a concealed weapon if you have a permit. Why should you have to check your rights at the school grounds?”

The school board said it will revisit the policy, which was passed in October, when it meets on Jan. 5.