“Open Carry” Debate Continues on Campus

“Open Carry” Debate Continues on Campus

By Carlos A. Ibarra

Public views remain at a stalemate nearly 6 weeks after Texas lawmakers passed a bill that will allow concealed firearms to be carried on college campuses.

Senate Bill 11, the “campus carry” bill, was signed into law last month and will allow firearms to be carried by concealed handgun license (CHL) owners on all public institutions across Texas.

“Campus carry” will go into effect August 2016, but those on campus are still weighing out any possible consequences of the soon-to-be law.

Tim Brugger

A prominent issue debated amongst those of the local campus community is the bill’s effect on safety. Many fear an increase in the number of guns on school grounds will only result in an increase of violence on campus. Howard Joubert, father of a prospective Texas State student, expressed his skepticism of “Campus Carry.”

When the availability of guns is extended to those other than security it may prove harmful to students and staff, said Joubert

“Those who want to should have to have had a background check through the campus,” said Joubert

Background checks are currently performed on CHL applicants in the state of Texas. All applicants must also be 21 years or older and complete a 4 hour training course. Reasons such as these La Grange, Texas native Tim Brugger believe security will not be affected next fall.

“I think I’d trust a gun owner with a license, more than an owner without one,” said Brugger

Another polarizing topic of debate is on whether or not SB 11 would make Texas State more vulnerable to a mass shootings similar to recent events around the nation. Some like junior, Sara Pavey, believe that a law for or against would make no difference on a criminal’s intentions.

Mary Brenna, Ph. D.
(Photo by: Texas State)

While others think Texas State would be more susceptible to a violent outbreak.

“I have seen kids with their emotions out of control,” said history professor, Dr. Mary Brenna. “And we’re handing them a weapon? It is not safe.”

Christian Wallace
Photo by: Morgan Henkhaus

Though SB 11’s extends over all Texas institutions, stipulations in the law will allow private campuses the option to opt out of “campus carry” and/or designate gun-free areas throughout school grounds. Christian Wallace, a texas state grad student, believes all campus should be afforded these options.

A student body at one campus may feel “open carry” to be a necessity while another student body might see things differently on a different campus. If the majority of those attending the school say it’s fine, then it’s OK with me, said Wallace, a native of Andrews, Texas.

Some students like Amy Lee Pena feel they would express their right to acquire a CHL when “open carry” does go into effect.

“Since everyone else will have one, I might as well get one for my own protection,” said Pena