Packing heat in the classroom?
The Georgia General Assembly is currently debating legislation which, if passed, would expand the locations those with concealed weapons permits could carry guns – including the campuses of public universities, such as GCSU.
One bill currently being debated would make it legal to carry firearms on the campuses of public universities and research facilities.
The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, says it will clarify existing rules regarding where licensed owners can carry their guns. More broadly, the legislation would, for the first time, allow Georgians with gun permits to carry their weapons in most public buildings and churches. It would also lift a ban on firearms in “public gatherings,” and instead replace it with a brief list of restricted spots that would include courthouses and jails, as well as prisons.
In addition, a substitute bill also sponsored by Seabaugh includes college classrooms and research facilities as prohibited areas to carry a gun. It would allow universities to determine whether people with permits would be allowed to carry guns into an athletic event.
To be eligible for the expanded rights, a Georgian would first have to have a concealed weapons permit. Georgia law currently states that gun-permit owners must be at least 21 years old with a clean judicial record, deemed mentally fit, and obtain a judge’s approval to carry the firearm.
Currently, guns are banned within 1,000 feet of college campuses.
The legislation, which was still pending as of press time Wednesday, has caused considerable debate over the issue of gun rights. GCSU’s Student Government Association discussed and voted on its own bill last year which would allow guns specifically on the GCSU campus. The SGA senators at the time did not support the move, wary it could cause an increase in violence on campus.
Current SGA president Zach Mullins does not support the proposed legislation.
“I’m definitely a gun-rights supporter, but when it comes to allowing guns in a classroom it’s a different story,” Mullins said. “When guns come in the classroom, they don’t contribute to a positive learning environment. I joined with over 20 other SGA presidents across the state to talk about this issue this past weekend and helped draft and sign a letter asking the legislature to look at how this would affect college campuses, and possibly provide exemptions for us.”
While the SGA presidents may be wary of the implications of bringing weapons to universities and other places that students gather, some GCSU students support the legislation.
“As a college student and firearm owner, I feel that being allowed the ability to defend myself and my peers in times of violence is highly beneficial,” said sophomore criminal justice major Nathan Bressler. “Unfortunately, the only people who adhere to the gun-free zones are the law-abiding citizens and not the criminals. I feel that with the proper concealed-carry permit, there is no reason that a person should not be allowed to carry their firearm, though concealed, on college campuses in the state of Georgia.”
Public Safety officials said they don’t believe allowing guns would make the GCSU campus any safer. Sgt. Greg Williams said it could make a dangerous situation even more complicated.
“When the police show up and there is a shooter, who do they shoot?” Williams asked. “We’re not going to have the time to take a moment to stop and find out who the bad guy is. All we know when we get on scene is that there are two people shooting. Someone may be saving the day, but they are also putting themselves in harm’s way to be shot by the bad guy or even the police.”
Posted by Ryan Del Campo
on Feb 19 2010. Filed under News.
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