LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court says schools can ban visitors from carrying guns.

Under state law, local governments must defer to the Legislature on gun policy. But in a 4-3 decision Friday, the court said the law mentions cities, villages, townships and counties — not school districts.

Lawyers for gun owners had argued that public schools can’t create restrictions that are tougher than state law.

The Supreme Court affirmed decisions by the state appeals court. The Ann Arbor and Clio districts had banned all guns, even if someone had a permit. Police officers are exempt from the ban.