Gun Violence On Campus

Gun violence is a definite and serious problem in the United States. In 2015 it was proven to have taken more lives among the youth than car accidents. Guns pose as a threat to society because at any given time they can be used for destruction. Gun violence can be best represented in numerous school shootings that have happened in the past decade. Hundreds of innocent children have lost their lives because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. One never knows what people are capable of when they are upset, and adding a gun to the situation only makes it worse. This is why it is imperative that legislators fight to keep concealed guns off campus instead of promote them. Guns do not belong on campus because they take away from the positive

and healthy learning environment that college is supposed to have. In addition, guns on campus create other risks or problems for students and faculty, putting them in a nerve-wracking state of mind. Therefore, legislatures should not pass a law permitting guns on campus because guns will change the traditional structure of a college campus, creating a dangerous new life for students and faculty.
The argument for guns on campus became intense after the deadly campus shooting that occurred at Virginia Tech in 2007. Forty-seven students and faculty were victims “wherein 32 students and faculty lost their lives to an armed gunman”(57). Ever since that tragic event the gun lobby has been pushing for the increase of guns on United States college campuses. The campaign for guns on campus started by presenting individual states with bills on permitting concealed weapons on campus. Eight states (Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Texas) are in favor of this policy. Although this is a victory for proponents of guns on campus, many other states banned the ruling on college campuses. According to the authors of "Armed Campuses: The Current Status of Concealed Guns On College Campuses," “Currently, the majority of the 4,300 colleges and universities in the United States prohibit or restrict the carrying of firearms on their campuses. These gun-free policies have helped make postsecondary educational institutions some of the safest places in the country” (57). Each state has their different opinion on the issue; this is why it has been such a prolonged debate/argument. Despite the negative responses, the pro-gun lobby is still pushing for legislation to prohibit states from banning concealed weapons. A study collected by the Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center, states, “272 attacks occurred at higher learning institutions after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre” (57). Legislation realizes that traditional campus security is not functioning properly and needs to be updated. Whether legislation decides to make “carry campus” a law, the debate about the issue will proceed as the days go on.
College is designed to be a safe haven for young adults who want to grow and continue their education. In order to create this safe haven, colleges take the proper precautions in order to maintain safety: “The vast majority of students felt safe on their campuses (93%), were not concerned about becoming a victim of violence on their campus” (Thompson 245). Colleges need to have the ability to make and enforce their own policies, including the decision on whether to allow guns on campus. Every College Board knows what is best for their campus and should have the ability to exercise its power. Violence around college campuses has increased significantly and “with legal doctrines making academic institutions responsible for the safety of students, schools' liability exposure has grown substantially” (Seibel 333). This means that colleges will have to take additional actions, like expanding security to make their students and faculties feel secure. If this is the particular route that colleges want to take, this should be the final decision. According to Siebel, “Depriving colleges the discretion to set policies concerning firearms leaves them exposed to potential liability, but without the means to establish sensible policies to reduce risks” (Siebel 333). College campuses do not want students or faculty to be distracted by things unrelated to education, and giving permission to carry guns on campus would add distraction and ruin a healthy learning environment. Colleges prefer to handle security concerns themselves rather than leaving it up to students. Allowing students to carry concealed weapons on campus would send the wrong message to the public, and college campuses do not want to be identified with corruption and violence. Students and faculty should leave their safety in the hands of their college and focus on living a productive college lifestyle.
Nevertheless, the authors from "The Debate Over Campus-Based Gun Control Legislation," state that it is important to examine both sides of the argument. Many proponents perceive the policy in a different perspective and present distinct points. For instance, they state “The most vocally trumpeted arguments stem from advocacy for the constitutionally granted Second Amendment right to bear arms” (408). The majority of the supporters feel that if they have a gun license, they should have the ability to carry their licensed gun anywhere. Supporters want access on college campuses, church, and public places. Advocates for allowing concealed weapons on campus also argue that, “should a situation involving an active shooter arise, the lawfully armed would be in an ideal position to step in and assist authorities, thereby protecting themselves and potentially saving lives in the process” (408). Adding extra safety seems to be one of the top arguments and the most persuasive for many people including, University president and chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. He proceeds to argue that “[i]t adds to the security and safety of the campus and it’s a good thing” (408). It is statements like these that change the perception of many college officials. However, this statement does not change that fact that concealed guns on campus are a bad decision and will only bring corruption. For instance, if there was a campus shooting, how would officers differentiate the good guys from the bad guys? How will one figure out who started the massacre and needs the punishment? Guns will only add more complication to the situation instead of providing clarity. This is one of the many reasons why guns are not allowed in many areas.
An additional reason to keep concealed weapons off campus is that active shooters do not choose the location that they want to attack based off of their gun status. Active shooters will not stay away from a campus just because it allows its students to carry guns on campus. When a person wants to harm others they will do anything and stop at no cost. A shooting is a serious manner and should not be taken lightly at any time. If a shooting happened at a “campus carry” school, the situation would only elevate into an even bigger problem. Brian J. Siebel, an opponent to this issue states, “Allowing more guns on college campuses and in classrooms is likely to increase the risk of students being shot accidentally” (330). A shooting where both parties have guns will only result in more accidental deaths. Proponents of the issue believe that guns will aid them in their campus protection, when it will only cause more bloodshed than necessary.
Moreover, concealed weapons also should not be permitted on campus because they add additional risks for students and faculty.

Since students and faculty will be the ones most affected by the policy, their opinion should be widely known and considered. Dr. Amy Thompson and colleagues conducted a survey for college students to get their perception on guns on campus. “The majority of students was [sic] not supportive of concealed handguns on campus and claimed that they would not feel safer if students and faculty carried concealed handguns” (243). Many students feel like permitting guns on campus will result in an increase of danger. For example, concealed weapons would lead to an increase in fatal homicides, suicides, robberies, and accidental injuries. Students already do not know half of their peers walking alongside them on a daily basis; allowing guns on campus gives them one more aspect of college to worry about. Most faculty members feel the same way about firearms as the majority of students. Dr. Thompson and her colleagues also surveyed college faculty to get their opinion on the issue. “The vast majority of faculty felt safe on their campuses and perceived that carrying concealed handguns on campuses create more risks than benefits to the campus environment. Aggressive efforts are needed to help maintain the uniquely safe environment of college campuses” (Thompson 366). Faculty do not want to jeopardize their piece of mind and safety. They do not feel that guns are the right solution to violence on campus and push for more productive actions. College faculty face pressure every day while at work, the addition of guns would make their situations more stressful and complicated. The legislature should see the situation from the perspectives of the ones that the law will affect the most, the students and college faculty. If the majority of college campuses across the nation feel that guns on school ground will only bring destruction, than the issue should be

ruled in their favor. Students and faculty are saying no to the “campus carry” law.
It is in the hands of legislation to realize that guns have no place on a college campus. Guns will only bring intense violence or hostility to a positive college environment. Not only will concealed weapons ruin the atmosphere, they will influence school shootings and increase the risks of the students and faculty. College already is enough stress and pressure, legislators passing “campus carry” would add extra pressure that the campus cannot handle. This is one of the main reasons why students and faculty are non-supporters of this issue and promote no guns on campus. While some see them as the answer to campus violence, most see them as life takers.
Whether or not to allow concealed weapons on a college campus is a widely debatable issue and should have many people involved. Life affecting issues or debates like “campus carry” should be handled with great care because people's lives are at stake. Students and faculty are put in risks every day when surrounded by hundreds of people they do not personally know. When on a widely diverse college campus no one knows what could happen at any moment of the day. One cannot live day to day life thinking about the next disaster that could occur. This is why colleges aid in the protection of students and faculty, rather than allowing them to worry about it. It is never a good idea to add guns in any situation, especially on a college campus. Many people across the nation have witnessed what happens when guns are active on a school campus. It is important to take action now and save lives. Advocate for no guns on campus and prevent tragedies on college campuses everywhere.