Group Wants All HP Businesses to Display 'No Gun' Signs

Members of a national advocacy group against guns are asking business owners in Highland Park to place “No Gun” signs in their store windows in an effort to make the community safer. And so far, they have seen quite a bit of success.

“When it comes to stores that have given us a definitive ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ 95 percent have said yes and displayed the sign,” said Dana Gordon, marketing and outreach coordinator for the Joint Action Committee, noting that about 85 stores in downtown Highland Park and the city’s Ravinia District have placed the signs in their windows over just the past week when the group began canvassing.

The group plans to hit up businesses again on Friday night, some of which they have visited before and received a ‘maybe’ answer to the sign question and others they will ask for the first time. Anywhere from 5-20 anti-conceal carry advocates participate in each outreach event, Gordon said.

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, Highland Park Councilwoman Alyssa Knobel, state Sen. Julie Morrison (IL- 29), and state Rep. Scott Drury (IL-58) have joined JAC’s canvassing campaign along with many Highland Park JAC members, according to a news release. 10th District U.S. Congressman Robert Dold, R-Kenilworth also supports gun violence prevention, Gordon said.

Illinois law allows for concealed carry of weapons with a permit. However, business owners are allowed under the law to post an approved sign indicating that firearms are prohibited on their property.

“We are very encouraged by the positive response we received from Highland Park merchants,” said JAC member and Highland Park resident Betsy Brint, who helped to organize the canvassing. “We hope that Highland Park can take the lead in this battle and thereby encourage other communities to do their part for gun violence awareness.”

JAC Executive Director Marcia Balonick said gun violence has become “too common” in the United States in recent years.

“We want people to feel safe when they dine out, visit the cleaners and shop,” she said.

“There is no better way to effect positive change than through grassroots activities like this… We no longer have the luxury to sit and do nothing. No action is too small; and one of the biggest steps towards change is to vote for candidates that will support safe gun laws.”

“We are hoping the stores that have said no to us do not want to be known as the places where people are walking around with guns,” Gordon added. “Stores are places where families go, and guns should have no place there.”

Gordon said the JAC’s desire is to expand this practice outside of Highland Park in other northern suburbs such as Deerfield or Evanston, both of which have had residents request the group come to their town.

“If we truly become the town without guns, we bring down the risk of any gun deaths,” Gordon said. “Hopefully all stores feel the pressure from our ant-gun community and place the signs in their windows.

“We are trying to keep the town safe, and those on the other side of the issue are trying to make it a more dangerous place to live.”