http://www.newsmax.com/us/pistol_packing_teacher/2007/11/09/48332.html
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Judge: Teacher Has No Right to Carry Gun

Friday, November 9, 2007 11:21 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. -- An high school English teacher who wanted to take her
semiautomatic handgun onto school grounds has no right to do so, a judge
said Friday.

Shirley Katz, 44, has a concealed weapons permit and claimed a right to
carry a handgun at South Medford High School in Medford, to defend against
intruders or her former husband.

A district policy prohibits employees from carrying firearms on school
grounds.

Her attorney, James Leuenberger, said it amounted to a local ordinance. He
argued that only the Legislature, not local governments, can regulate
firearms under state law.

Jackson County Circuit Judge G. Philip Arnold ruled Friday that an
ordinance is different from a school district employment policy for its
teachers.

Tim Gerking, the school district's lawyer, welcomed the ruling.

"Allowing staff to carry weapons into school buildings wouldn't enhance
safety, it would only make it worse," Gerking said. "We'd have a
completely new risk of accidental injuries as a result of these weapons."

Leuenberger said he planned to appeal.

"I think the judge obviously is wrong," Leuenberger said. "To make a big
difference between a policy and an ordinance makes no sense. This is just
an antigun decision."

Katz has said she obtained the Glock 9mm handgun to protect herself
against threats from her ex-husband during their divorce in 2004.

The ex-husband has denied the allegations.