Columbia, SC — In 1982, in Kennesaw, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, an ordinance was passed requiring every household to own a gun and ammunition. The crime rate in this small Georgia community plummeted and has remained at the same low rate for 31 years.

Just as arming citizens has worked to lower crime rates in Georgia, it can work in South Carolina.

Shooters target gun-free zones such as schools, daycares and churches.

In one school district in Texas, trained, screened, volunteer staff are armed and prepared to protect students. The policy of arming law-abiding citizens protects students in Texas, and it can also protect South Carolina students.

H.3160 would allow a public school employees who have concealed-weapons permits to carry a firearm at school, provided they meet certain criteria.

Finally, I believe that gun control is a war on women. Women are disproportionately affected by violent crimes. The citizens of this state, and this country, need to stand firmly against this war on women. To leave women defenseless against violent crime is a crime in and of itself.

Criminals will always access guns, just as they do illegal drugs. The solution to violent crime is to arm law-abiding citizens so they can protect themselves against criminals.

Sheri Few

Member, S.C. Governor’s Commission on Women

Lugoff