Guns on Campus? No, Thanks.

 

 

The NYTimes article, “Colleges Become Major Front in Fight Over Carrying Guns,” gives opposing views on the issue of concealed weapons on campus, but quite frankly, I don’t think guns should be allowed near students when on college campuses. True, it can provide a means of protection, but who’s to say if the person breaking in the dorm room has a weapon as well? And honestly, I still don’t think college students are responsible enough to keep weapons on campus. These students finally gain independence from the watchful eyes of their parents, and suddenly they can turn reckless and rash.

There are several scenarios where the students can misuse weapons. Perhaps they become heavily intoxicated and go on an angry rampage with their guns. Or, maybe the weight of college work drives students into a corner of deep depression and causes them to inflict injuries upon themselves and others. Of course, there are also students who may have mental issues that have gone unchecked who keep guns in their dorms. In the article, it states that at UK, students are allowed to keep guns in their cars. I still find that dangerous because there are still weapons in the possession of possibly reckless students.

One study in the article revealed that more educated people were actually more likely to have anti-gun views. Also, the percentage of young gun-owners is pretty low at the moment because there are less young people with hunting experience. I think it should stay that way for the safety at schools. College campuses are relatively safe with a little common sense (just avoid going out late at night in a dangerous neighborhood). Guns aren’t needed for protection on campus - there are always security guards and security systems such as card swipe-ins or emergency buttons that automatically call 911. Students shouldn’t have to worry about other students using weapons at school.