The Buffalo School Board on Wednesday took a step toward barring Masten District Common Council member Ulysees Wingo from all buildings and events, even those out of state.
The councilmember and then-chair of the Council Education Committee carried his licensed handgun into Riverside High School May 14 for a building event.
During the visit, he turned the gun into the principal to hold. The principal has been suspended and Wingo escaped criminal charges.
School administrators have been reminded of the gun ban.
"They are city-owned buildings, but they are under the control of the Buffalo Board of Education," said Superintendent Kriner Cash. "We maintain [them]. We run [them]. We ensure the safety of our students on the property and we have a right to bar an individual, whether that be a student, a parent or anybody else that violates our policies."
In a resolution approved Wednesday night, members made and approved amendments to the resolution for the board's consideration on June 19.
Board member Hope Jay read the restrictions.
"As a consequence of his illegal behavior, the Board of Education requests that Buffalo Common Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo be suspended from district premises for a period of no less than 18 months, as defined by Board Policy 7313 (c), as any school function," Jay said.
There will also be a message sent out to all district families about the decision and why. Wingo has apologized and lost his post as chair of the Education Committee.
Board Member Sharon Belton-Cottman told the meeting her support of the ban had nothing to do with her loss to Wingo for the seat two years ago.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the board voted on the resolution.
