Open holster lunch at daughter's school.

[Ambassador]

My wife and I decided to surprise our 2nd grade daughter by showing up to have lunch with her at her public elementary school.

We parked, I unholstered, stowed my pistol in the center console and locked the car. I was wearing a suit, sans jacket and tie, but still looking groomed and sharp. The open carry polished black leather holster was on display in the kidney position.

At the front office my wife provided her DL and I provided my LTC. I have also previously passed the schools background check and volunteer from time to time. Everything was fine and we got visitor stickers and entered the school.

We chatted with the nurse and then waited for our daughter near the entrance to cafeteria. At some point, I assume either the front office secretary or nurse called someone to complain about the holster.

While we were waiting, a woman approached us, introduced herself as the vice principal and shook our hands. There was zero small talk before she said she understood about the new open carry law and saw that my holster was empty, but would I mind unticking my shirt and covering it for the kids.

I politely responded that I do mind covering it. I elaborated that I understood her side, but that my wife and I feel differently. She responded that "in this day and age" (Those five words told me all I needed to know about her.) it's just better to shield the kids from anything gun related.

I stated that when I drop my daughter off, I open carry the same holster WITH my pistol in it all the way to the front door. I elaborated that I don't want to hide my holster and give my daughter the impression that I may be doing something wrong. I concluded by saying that I understand why she wants it covered, but she's a civil servent on government property and I wasn't doing anything wrong. I was polite and tactful throuout, but I'm sure my facial expressions didn't hide my annoyance in being asked to hide a piece of leather on my leather belt, while wearing my nice suit with Paton leather shoes.

She had been smiling the entire conversation and at this point delivered the most fake smile and patronizing tone of voice ever, saying "Okay, thank you soooo much." As she was walking away, she looked back still fake smiling, wagged her finger at me and said "I'm sure we'll have another chat in just a few minutes.", with that you'll be sorry type of inflection.

Our girl was so excited to see us and ran over to give us hugs. We introduced ourselves to her new teacher and had lunch with our daughter for half an hour. We gave her more hugs and my wife and I left the school holding hands, having never been re-approached by the vice principal or anyone else.

So, did I do anything illegal? Note that she never told me to cover the holster, but asked. Hypothetically, if she had told me to cover the holster or I would have to leave, would that be the schools legal right? I'm assuming she learned there was nothing she could do or I would have been approached again by either her, the principal or a LEO.

[LucasMcCain]

It sounds to me like you handled it admirably. Good on ya! I can't imagine that they could do anything legally in terms of making you leave, as it is public property. Of course, I could certainly be wrong. You definitely didn't do anything illegal. Again, it sounds like you handled the situation in a gentlemanly fashion.

[crazy2medic]

I know not what others will say but I believe you did a fantastic job!

[Lynyrd]

So far, I have not entered anywhere with an empty visible holster. Was this your first time to do that at this school?

[chl-dawg]

why would you think you did anything illegal? you didn't go in with your firearm on the premise of the school.
you stated your opinion and stood your ground !

[lildave40]

Good Form I am glad you kept your cool and stood your gound.

[jb2012]

Pretty friggin annoying if you ask me. Based on her logic, walking around with a sample of metal would also be frowned upon, after all guns are made from metal. HIDE ALL METAL OBJECTS FROM CHILDREN. Instead of educating children on the safety of firearms, let's pretend like they do not even exist. That way when a child accidentally comes across a firearm, they will have no clue what to do with it.

[bblhd672]

Hopefully the education fascists won't retaliate against your daughter because her father refused to toe the party line.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Really?

Chas.

[The Annoyed Man]

Really?

Chas.

I know.

[rotor]

You did well. I wonder how she would have handled a guy with swastikas tattooed on his forehead. My grandson goes to a private school and I see their LEO parents open carrying all the time. Somehow the kids have not been ruined by the experience.

[Abraham]

Ambassador,

You have my admiration.

You did good.

Thanks for standing up to a petty, anti-gun fascist.

The sanctimony and unrealistic attitude of these people is mind boggling...

[AF-Odin]

Remember that these are the same ilk of school administrators that discipline students for wearing NRA t-shirts that might have a picture of a firearm.

Personally I think you handled the situation as well as possible under the circumstances, but wonder what your reception at the school will be like in the future.

[parabelum]

LEO's check in their guns before entry into detention. Should they cover the holster as well

[casp625]

Sounds about illegal as OC a holster into a 51% location or courthouse...

OP, how dare you follow the law to the letter!