Mixed Views Concerning Campus Carry in Texas

Mixed Views Concerning Campus Carry in Texas

By Angelique Paccione

The Texas State University community voiced their opinions concerning a bill allowing college students to carry concealed weapons on Texas campuses after it was sent to be signed by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott.

According to a Texas Tribune article, Abbot said he is planning on signing Senate Bill 11 to allow the carrying of concealed handguns at public colleges and universities. However, only those with a concealed handgun license of at least 21 years of age will be allowed to carry. Public institutions of higher education will be able to designate gun-free zones on campus. Private colleges and universities will be allowed to have their own laws concerning campus carry.

This law brought mixed views among parents, students, and faculty at Texas State.

Andres Davila, photo by Angelique Paccione

“You hear about campus shootings all the time, and there is no permission or law allowing them to carry it,” said senior Andres Davila. “I am against guns on campus. I don’t see a need for it. If you feel so threatened in the world that you have to arm yourself, then that is more of an internal issue.”

Even parents worry about their children being at risk because of people’s free will.

Tim Brugger, a parent of an inco

ming freshman, said, “I do worry about my daughter’s safety away from home. 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.”

The people that are in favor of concealed weapons on campus have also voiced their opinions regarding safety and personal rights.

“The amount of students on a campus outnumber the cops. Considering the unpredictability of a possible terrorist attack and outcome, if you have students that are armed that could help reduce the casualties and can ultimately get rid of the threat,” said Mike Shaw, a 40-year-old parent. “If people know that campuses do not allow open carry they might be more likely to target an area where they know people don't have any protection, especially if they do not see anyone in uniform.”

Even Texas State students realize that college comes with the responsibility to make their own decisions.

Janet Vela, a biochemistry major, said, “I think that we are all adults here and should be able to make our own choices.”

While some people believe everyone has a right to their own property and protection, others believe it will negatively influence life in the classroom and throughout campus.

Allison Abernathy, an English major, said it would add unnecessary stress to a student’s daily life. “It shouldn't be permitted because I think it adds tension to the learning environment.”

Others have said the campus carry law will cause more than stress and tension, but also violence.

Matt Weed, a musician from Uvalde, Texas, said campus carry is the worst idea he has ever heard. “It’s a place for education, not violence.”

Mary Brennan, photo by Ashley Hunt

The faculty have witnessed and dealt with college students battling stress, and they do not see guns as a way to cope.

“I have seen kids with their emotions out of control who stay up all night with Red Bull during finals week, high strung and emotional, and we are handing them a weapon,” said Mary Brennan, a history professor. “It is not safe.”

If students will be allowed to walk around armed, some people believe the number of enrollment could drop throughout public colleges.

“It would make people scared and draw people away from pursuing an education,” Davila said.