Three local students are featured in a gun violence public service announcement.

The Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence released the PSA on Friday. It features three 5th grade students from Maltby Intermediate School in Brighton. The video shows a hidden camera social experiment where kids hold a candy drive to buy bulletproof vests and body armor for school, much to the shock of those who speak with the students. The PSA ends with the message “Gun laws should protect our kids. Our kids shouldn’t have to protect themselves.” The video then directs viewers to sign an online petition and letter to Governor Rick Snyder and legislators opposing Senate Bills 584 and 586 that would allow for hidden, loaded weapons in schools.

The Coalition feels more guns are not the solution to school shootings but rather more counselors, resources and support services for teachers and students, as well as security provided only by trained law enforcement officers. (JM)