Students Voice Opinions Over New Texas Gun Law

Students Voice Opinions Over New Texas Gun Law

By Gabriela Perez
E-mail: g_p98@txstate.edu 

Mason Gann
Photo & Quote Credit:
Dana Rosenquist

SAN MARCOS - Texas State University students share mixed thoughts on new Texas gun law that allows citizens with permits to carry guns on campus.

At the beginning of August this year, Texas public universities were mandated to implement the Campus Carry law, a law that allows individuals who own concealed hand gun permits and are 21 years of age or older to carry concealed guns on campus.

For many students this law has brought fear of the unknown, Mason Gann, a 24 year-old business major stated, “I think it is a bad idea because the requirements to get a concealed handgun aren’t as strict as they probably should be so unqualified people could get their hands on a concealed handgun license and be able to carry on campus and make rash decisions with a deadly weapon.”

Paula Krystal Monzon, a Freshman at Texas State University, also disagrees with the new law stating "College is extremely stressful and I feel like it can push some people to the edge. When you mix guns into that scenario it could make things a lot worse. No, I do not think guns should be permitted on college campuses"

Alicia Dorado
Photo & quote Credit:
Dionna Womack

While it is true that those who carry concealed hand gun permits may take their firearms to campus now, there is several rules to this new law that individuals may not be aware of. For example, no gun should be visible, instead guns are to remain put away and out of sight.  There are also designated areas on campus where guns are still forbidden.

Additionally, any unanticipated circumstance or special event such as a sporting event, where the carrying of a gun creates safety anxieties, also prohibit the presence of guns.

While not all students agree with the new law, some like Alicia Dorado, a Senior at Texas State University, do. “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

Weston Morgan
Photo by:
Gabriela Perez

Others, like Weston Morgan, a 23 year old film major, disagreed with campus carry but weren’t concerned about it impacting their educational environment, “I don’t think they (guns) should be allowed or encouraged but the law isn’t going to change the way I feel in a classroom,” said Weston Morgan.

There was also students who agreed with the new law but felt a little uneasy about those who would be able to handle the guns.

Roy Smith, a Texas State University student, shared his thoughts about campus carry stating, “I agree, but it is always frightening thinking about a crazy person with a gun on campus.”

For more information on Campus Carry Rules visit http://www.txstate.edu/campuscarry/rules .

To view more Texas State University students opinions over the Campus Carry law visit https://star.txstate.edu/2015/11/19/diverse-range-of-opinions-displayed-at-campus-carry-open-forum/ .