NRA AD IN SCHOOL YEARBOOK DRAWS FIRE LA MESA JUNIOR HIGH PRINCIPAL STANDS BY RIGHT TO PUBLISH.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - A National Rifle Association recruitment ad placed in La Mesa Junior High's yearbook has raised questions of propriety from some parents and students, in light of laws banning firearms on school grounds.

Amid pitches for local pizza parlors and gift shops is a half-page, black-and-white advertisement featuring the NRA logo and a quote of the Second Amendment's right to bear arms. It also includes toll-free numbers for joining.

``In a junior high school, it's probably not appropriate,'' said Lori Ediger, 14, a graduating eighth-grader at La Mesa. ``Maybe it's OK in high school.''

``I see nothing wrong,'' said Tom Beam, 57, a grandparent of a La Mesa student. ``It's a legal organization that promotes a lot of good. There's nothing wrong with the NRA.''

The ad - sold by a student to raise funds for the yearbook - had been reviewed by school staffers prior to publication, Principal Peter Fries said.

``There are bound to be some disagreements about it,'' he said.

According to William S. Hart Union High School District policy, school- sponsored publications may accept paid advertising ``except for that prohibited by administrative regulations.''

At the same time, students are barred from ``possessing weapons, replica of weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind in school buildings, on school grounds or buses,'' which includes firearms.

While Fries understood the ad would raise eyebrows, he believes a distinction exists between promoting the organization on campus and promoting guns.

``You have to be reasonable and use common sense,'' he said. ``What is the NRA? The NRA also provides education and classes in firearms safety. ... (The ad) is not promoting the use of firearms in school.''

It's also matter of free speech and fosters student debate, Fries said.

``Is it appropriate for students to think about the Second Amendment and the First Amendment and the right to free speech? Absolutely,'' he said. ``People can make rational discussions not based on emotions.''

Still, parent Edgar Monterosa, 35, of Canyon Country said he believes junior high is no place to promote firearms.

``It's a weapon that can kill somebody,'' he said. ``Maybe once they're in high school, when they know more about what it means to own a gun.''

But some see the ad as relatively benign.

``I didn't notice it,'' said Cassie Gaskin, 13, a La Mesa graduate heading to Valencia High in the fall. ``I just kind of glanced at them. I didn't read them.

``I don't really think it's that bad,'' she said. ``It's like a club.''

Beam doubts that the NRA could recruit students through the ad.

``I would be surprised to see any junior high kids signing up,'' he said. ``I don't think they look at them, even if it's for a burger stand - maybe if there's a coupon.''

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com

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A National Rifle Association ad stirred controversy over its appropriateness for La Mesa Junior High's 2003 yearbook.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer