Students, faculty show mixed feelings about guns on SFA campus
By: Allan Goddell and Zebine Bojler
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: News
Guns create a wide range of feelings. For some, guns provide protection and safety; for others, guns instill fear and caution. Some people use guns for entertainment while others use them to intimidate and control.
Where do guns belong, and at what level do they need to be controlled?
With recent tragedies like the Virginia Tech shooting, gun advocates and their counterparts have fiercely argued the issues concerning gun-violence and a civilian's right to carry concealed weapons. College campuses have come to the front in this heated battle.
On both sides of the argument, a person's safety is the primary concern.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the laws governing concealed weapons restrict any civilian from carrying a firearm "on the physical premises of a school of educational institution." By law, any perpetrator will be charged with a felony.
SFA reinforces the law with specific prohibitions concerning weapons. The university policy states: "Firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, or illegal knives may not be brought on the campus, property, or a passenger vehicle which is owned, leased, or operated by the university."
According to UPD's crime statistics, no weapons violations resulted in arrests between 2004 and 2007. In that same time frame, however, 11 weapons violations required campus disciplinary action. There is a history of students possessing weapons but not necessarily using the weapons in a crime.
Michael Preston, director of student life at SFA, said he believes college campuses are generally safe.
"Every year University Police seize weapons on campus," he said. "Whether or not they were intended for use is undetermined. Violence happens on campus; sexual assaults do happen, but they are rare."
Advocates for concealed handguns do not feel that college campuses are safe enough. The argument for self-protection is fueled by numerous examples and hypothetical scenarios.
Where do guns belong, and at what level do they need to be controlled?
With recent tragedies like the Virginia Tech shooting, gun advocates and their counterparts have fiercely argued the issues concerning gun-violence and a civilian's right to carry concealed weapons. College campuses have come to the front in this heated battle.
On both sides of the argument, a person's safety is the primary concern.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the laws governing concealed weapons restrict any civilian from carrying a firearm "on the physical premises of a school of educational institution." By law, any perpetrator will be charged with a felony.
SFA reinforces the law with specific prohibitions concerning weapons. The university policy states: "Firearms, ammunition, explosive devices, or illegal knives may not be brought on the campus, property, or a passenger vehicle which is owned, leased, or operated by the university."
According to UPD's crime statistics, no weapons violations resulted in arrests between 2004 and 2007. In that same time frame, however, 11 weapons violations required campus disciplinary action. There is a history of students possessing weapons but not necessarily using the weapons in a crime.
Michael Preston, director of student life at SFA, said he believes college campuses are generally safe.
"Every year University Police seize weapons on campus," he said. "Whether or not they were intended for use is undetermined. Violence happens on campus; sexual assaults do happen, but they are rare."
Advocates for concealed handguns do not feel that college campuses are safe enough. The argument for self-protection is fueled by numerous examples and hypothetical scenarios.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Douva
posted 3/26/09 @ 11:53 AM CST
The correct web address is www.ConcealedCAMPUS.com, not ConcealedCarry.com.
Individuals wishing to learn more about this issue should also check out this site:
http://www. (Continued…)
Ted
posted 3/27/09 @ 2:07 PM CST
Preston said, "Who knows if concealed carry could stop or deter a gunman. You'd have to have a student in the right classroom, right day, with a gun and the confidence to take down the shooter. (Continued…)
Jared
posted 3/31/09 @ 1:10 PM CST
I can not think of a single time I've been on the SFA campus when I have feared for my life or even been worried about anything other than a test. I recognize that something might happen but it is very unlikely. (Continued…)
Scott Hagler
Scott
posted 4/14/09 @ 3:03 PM CST
All must remember that guns are apart of our society. So much that it is one of our freedoms. Guns will never be a deterrent to crime. People who want to do harm, will. (Continued…)
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