With the growing number of on-campus shootings, some states are debating whether or not community college instructors should carry concealed weapons on campus. Learn about both sides of the heated debate.
In the last decade, college campuses have become the crime scene for too many violent shootings. From the University of Arkansas and Virginia’s Appalachian School of Law to Arizona Nursing College and Virginia Tech, dozens of students, professors, and deans have been killed or wounded by gunmen. In the last five years, 35% of American college campuses have experienced at least one gun incident, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
The Current Law
The Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 currently makes it illegal for anyone to carry a gun in a school zone, which is on campus or within 1000 feet of a school. State legislators reviewing pro-gun laws are considering revoking gun-free school zones, allowing permit holders to bring firearms onto campus. Proponents rhetorically argue, “Why can’t people protect themselves on campus, just like they do throughout the state?”
Proponents of Concealed Weapons on Campus
The supporters of the proposed legislation argue that allowing instructors to carry concealed weapons would keep
campuses safer, giving the potential victims an ability to defend themselves against shooters.
Right-to-Carry Laws Decrease Violent Attacks
Proponents argue that allowing concealed carry on campus prompts would-be attackers to think twice about shooting, thus decreasing the probability of a violent attack.
According to economist Dr. John Lott in his book More Guns, Less Crime, and the Bias