Crime & Safety

Is This School Overreacting to a Father Showing His Gun License in an Argument?

The father reportedly displayed his license during a confrontation with the elementary school's principal.

An Arlington father has been barred from his son’s elementary school after he reportedly displayed his gun license Wednesday during a confrontation with the school’s principal.

Robert Goodwin, 40, told CBS Boston he and Stratton School Principal Michael Hanna were arguing over a drawing by his son. The principal thought the drawing was “very inappropriate,” he said.

“During that discussion I compared my legally owned license to carry firearms with the picture that my son drew,” he told the news station.

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In addition to the no-trespass order at the school (other than drop-off and pick-up), Goodwin had his gun license suspended and his hunting rifle seized by police.

In a letter home to parents, Arlington Superintendent Kathleen Bodie said the argument “certainly went about and beyond the scope of a normal disagreement” and steps were taken to “make sure that students, faculty, and staff remained safe.”

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Goodwin, who told CBS Boston he plans to transfer his son from the school, said he never threatened anyone. He has not been charged.

Are school officials overreacting? Or did they take appropriate action?


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