New law allows students to carry concealed gun
The debate on whether or not to permit firearms on college campuses has been growing rapidly over the years.
While some argue the pros of permitting firearms on college campus, mainly that of self defense, others argue that the answer to violence is not more violence.
26 states have regulations that prohibit firearms on university campuses.
In almost every state, except Utah, the school has the authority to create their own policy.
After years of upholding a ban on firearms on campus, Utah is currently the only state that now allows permit holders to carry guns on college campuses.
Other states, such as Arizona and Michigan, currently have bills pending in hopes to overturn the ban of guns on college campuses.
Firearm bills have been rejected in over 20 states within the last four years, including Louisiana.
Yet it’s only a matter of time before one is brought up again.
In 2009, ULM partnered with other Louisiana universities and declared their opposition to House Bill 27, which would have allowed for concealed handguns on the college campuses in Louisiana.
ULM’s Student Government Association, SGA, argued that although there may have been some concerns in regards to campus security, the permitting of firearms would not prevent or decrease the chances of violence on campus, but rather increase the risk of violence.
SGA president, Brook Sebren, simply stated, “It’s all about the safety of our students.”
Many ULM students believe that the allowance of firearms could increase the chances of an accident.
LaQuaneisha Smith, a freshman undeclared major from Shreveport, doesn’t believe students should be allowed to carry guns on campus, whether they have a permit or not.
“Absolutely not, the thought of somebody carrying a loaded gun while sitting next to me in a classroom scares me, for the simple fact that it’s a loaded gun,” Smith said.
“It could fall out, hit the floor and go off. Accidents can happen,” said Smith.
Brad Neville, a freshman history major from Pollock, occasionally goes hunting and knows the power of a gun.
But he still believes that guns belong in the woods with hunters, not in schools with students.
“I think we should have the right to bear arms but I don’t think it’s necessary on campus,” said Neville.
