Twenty-five universities in four different states (Colorado, Michigan, Utah and Virginia) currently allow students to carry guns while on campus. Only one of those 25 universities (Michigan State University) exempts students from taking a gun into campus buildings. There are also 16 states that have introduced "guns on campus" legislation. These proposed laws vary, but eleven of the states have proposed bills that would make CCW's (carrying a concealed weapon) legal on college campuses.
Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus
The American Associate of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), along with 276 colleges located in 36 different states, have joined the Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus (www.keepgunsoffcampus.org). They believe that allowing guns on college campuses will lead to more violence. They, and several newspapers and bloggers, have pointed out a number of statistics to back their beliefs. Amongst these statistics is the Guns and Gun Threats at College study, which indicates that students who carry weapons also participate in disproportionately high-risk behaviors compared to unarmed students. These behaviors include vandalizing property, binge drinking and drunk driving. What a joy it would be to have your child going to school with these kinds of students.
Jack Harper Says Guns Deter Crime?
Arizona lawmakers are at the front lines of this debate. They have been pushing adamantly for three different bills that would allow professors, students and faculty over the age of 21 to carry a gun on campus. State Representative Jack Harper, who introduced one of the bills, said in a statement, "When law-abiding, responsible adults are able to defend themselves, crime is deterred." Whether this statement is based in fact or fantasy is not clear, especially given the opposition to the idea from law enforcement. If carrying a gun deterred crime, one would think the police would be behind the proposed laws.
Police and College Representatives Don't Want Guns
However, Arizona police chiefs (along with administrators at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University) have expressed their opposition to allowing guns on campus. Faculty members have been circulating petitions discouraging the bills. Their concerns may not deter lawmakers, however, as gun control advocates say that Arizona and Texas are the most likely states to next pass a guns on campus bill.
The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators has spoken out against guns. "Concealed carry laws have the potential to dramatically increase violence on college and university campuses that our members are empowered to protect." Several college representatives in states with pending bills, including Oklahoma, Tennessee and Georgia, have also publicly spoken out against allowing guns on campus.
What Students Think
Several media outlets have interviewed and polled students on campuses in states with pending bills. The reaction from students seems to be mixed; some students have been said that they believe it will help deter a lone gunman who might start a shooting spree on campus. Many others have said that they don't believe having guns on campus is a viable solution to such concerns. Personally, I would not allow my child to attend any school that allowed anyone but law enforcement to carry guns.
While lawmakers debate, parents and students can arm themselves with knowledge. Here is the full list of states that allow guns at college, per ArmedCampuses.org.
Colorado:
- Arapahoe Community College
- Colorado Northwestern Community College
- Colorado State University
- Community College of Aurora
- Community College of Denver
- Front Range Community College
- Lamar Community College
- Morgan Community College
- Northeastern Junior College
- Otero Junior College
- Pikes Peak Community College
- Pueblo Community College
- Red Rocks Community College
- Trinidad State Junior College
Michigan:
- Michigan State University
Utah:
- College of Eastern Utah
- Dixie State College of Utah
- Salt Lake Community College
- Snow College
- Southern Utah University
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Utah Valley University
- Weber State University
Virginia:
- Blue Ridge Community College
Jessica Bosari is an Internet copywriter and blogger for various publications and her own telecommute writing jobs blog. You can read more of Jessica's work here. If you have any comments or questions about SavingTools or about saving money, leave your comments in the form below or email jessica@savingtools.com. Thanks!
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