Diverse Sources: Campus Carry (Kirkham)

Campus handgun bill sparks debate in San Marcos

By GRAYSON KIRKHAM

The “campus carry” bill signed by Governor Greg Abbott in June has caused quite a state-wide stir around college campuses recently, and Texas State is no exception.

The bill, otherwise known as SB 11, allows concealed handguns to be carried on college campuses, as long as the individual that possesses the gun has a license to do so. Many Texas State students are voicing their opinions on this topic, as it will directly affect campus-life as they know it.

SB 11 is planned to take effect on Aug. 1, 2016.

Senior Shallan Johnson, a communication major, feels a college campus is no place for firearms.

Shallan Johnson (Photo taken by Grayson Kirkham)

“College kids in general probably aren’t trained well enough to handle fire arms,” Johnson said. “I think it’s a win/lose situation.”

Some students, like senior Ernest Rodriguez, think the impact of the bill will not be positive.

Ernest Rodriguez (Photo taken by Grayson Kirkham)

“I don’t think it will necessarily be a negative, but it will definitely be more dangerous,” Rodriguez said. “If you’re armed, you’re a primary target.”

Students aren’t the only ones affected by the “campus carry” bill. Parents of students also voiced concerns about the upcoming changes.

Tim Brugger, a 46-year-old from La Grange, TX, has a daughter who is about to become a freshman at Texas State. Brugger said he's never felt threatened while at a public university, but he does worry about his daughter's safety away from. He is torn on how he feels about the bill.

Tim Brugger (Photo taken by Carlos A. Ibarra)

"I have mixed views on it. I think it'd be a good step for gun owners, but I don't think it would stop anyone from doing what they want to do."

Alexander Villalobos, Sergeant for the University Police Department, says legislature is taking careful measures to make sure this new law is handled correctly.

Alexander Villalobos (Photo taken by Jeff Brown)

“At some point I would imagine under consideration of the legislature, they are going to have to consider the exposure of those types of situations and how people are going to react,” Sergeant Villalobos said. “I think they have considered it to some extent and I think that’s the reason why they’re giving time to structure this particular law in a way that’s going to be sensitive to campuses all over Texas.”

Freshman Abdul Nono, an industrial engineering major, believes the bill is a bad idea. He said guns should only be used by police, since they go through much more training.

Abdul Nono (Photo taken by Trevor Frank)

“I don’t think it would be safe for students to have guns on campus,” Nono said. “Even with the right training and education it is a bad idea. It will have a negative impact because campus will be a more dangerous place.”

Some students, however, feel there is no problem with the new bill as long as it’s properly regulated. Janet Vela, a bio-chemistry major, says why she thinks concealed handguns should be permitted on campus.

Janet Vela (Photo taken by Julianna Reel)

“I think that we are all adults here and should be able to make our own choices,” Vela said. “I think that as long as people follow the law, it should be fine.”