Those that support the legislation argue that people will now be able to protect themselves, for campus violence can be an issue. Especially after the Virginia Tech mass shooting in 2007 and the Northern Illinois in 2008, allowing guns on campus would strictly be used for self-defense. Others believe however, that allowing concealed weapons on college campuses will do nothing but create a more dangerous environment.
Baylor University has just recently considered this legislation. Because Baylor is a private school, if passed this law will not apply. Student Government has been speaking to various groups on the campus for why they are in favor. They have claimed that the call boxes placed around campus have been noted by students as useless for most do not work, and that the average time for the police to show after an urgent call is about 8 minutes. They have asked students to sign a petition in hope that Baylor may become part of this bill. They believe that by allowing those with a CHL to have a gun while on campus, that Baylor University will become a safer place.
I personally do not believe that it is at all necessary for those with a concealed hand-gun license, to have the right to carry a gun with them on campus. The Student Government claims that one must go though a process, including an interview and a test of questions before given the right. I think, however that 50 multiple choice questions cannot determine whether someone is safe with a gun on a college campus.
After hearing this news about Texas schools and then later about Baylor, I only found it fitting to blog about it since it has become such a concern. Now that I have voiced my opinion, I want to know yours!
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/21/texas-ready-to-allow-concealed-weapons-on-college-campuses/
