Concerns with Campus Carry

By Laura Valencia

lfv4@txstate.edu

  Campus carry has been a hot topic for quite some time and on June 1, 2015, Governor Greg Abbot signed the Texas Senate Bill into law.

Leigh Anne Crowell
Photo taken by: Tanner Murphy

  After Aug 1, 2016, campus carry went into full effect. Anyone who is 21+ with a concealed handgun license is allowed to carry a handgun on university campuses. This sparked a lot of controversy. Not everyone agreed to the change.

  “I feel like weapons with that much power should not be allowed anywhere,” said Texas State Student, Leigh Anne Crowell. “I shouldn't have to worry about someone walking around with a gun at their side when I'm trying to get an education on a safe campus like this.” 

  Just like any other license, the Concealed Handgun License (CHL) has qualifications that need to be met. The person trying to get the license must be a Texas resident for at least 6 months, is 21 and over, has no felonies and must take a CHL course. How well do these courses educate about weapons?  Many people question the training and are concerned about students carrying weapons.      

 "It becomes problematic when it's in the hands of young adults who might not be properly trained on situations to use a gun. I feel like with the huge onset of mental health issues on campus, having a weapon in the hands of those who might not know when they need to seek help, or find an outlet, having a weapon in their hands could be extremely dangerous. They might get all their frustrations and stress and depression out with that, as opposed to finding a healthier method to do so." Said TJ Young.

  While many oppose campus carry, others agree with the new law.

Diane Lemons
Photo taken by Wensley Guthrie

  “I think guns should be allowed to be carried by responsible people. That way if a serious situation were to occur on campus there would be someone able to defend themselves and others.” said Diane Lemons.

  Some students see campus carry as a right and a privilege.

 

“Guns should be permitted on campus because location should not infringe upon constitutional rights of citizens.  While it may seem that we are protecting more people by banning them, we are also encouraging further acceptance of censorship and infringement upon our constitutional rights in the future.  There are absolutely ways to balance safety and practice of these rights provided to us by our Constitution.” Said Alicia Dorado.

 Students may not want to carry a gun on campus but do consider weapons as a way of protection. Some plan to purchase one in the near future.

Natalia Glenn
Photo taken by : Laura Valencia

 “I don’t have a gun or a license to own one. I will own a handgun in my home after I graduate and maybe put one in my car.” said Darius Wiley Jr.

  Business Major, Natalia Glenn, gives alternatives on how to handle campus carry.

  “Our biggest tool is education,” Glenn said. “We should learn how violent our society already is.Also, we should learn ways to improve our mental health. These topics tend to get ignored. We don’t have to be so defensive especially if nothing is attacking us.”

  Campus safety is important for all universities. The new law may improve safety for all students. Only time will tell.

  Need more info? Visit TXST Campus Carry.