Most students enter college with aspirations for new chances and a bright future. Yet, the topic of shootings on campus or the possibility of gun violence is not a primary worry for most individuals. Currently, the majority of colleges and universities in the United States, including our own Perimeter GSU, prohibit firearms within their premises. Nevertheless, talks are taking place regarding alterations to state legislation that would permit guns on campuses.
In 2015, there were a total of 52 school shootings, with 23 occurring on college campuses. Furthermore, since the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting in Newton, CT in 2012, there have been an additional 126 shooting incidents. Although some law officials believe that allowing firearms on campus can prevent acts of violence such as mass shootings, rape, assault, and robberies; evidence indicates that introducing guns to colleges may result in more harm than good. Henceforth, there are multiple reasons why bringing guns onto campuses
...is considered unsafe.
People aged 18-24 go through a period of uncertainty in life. This phase is marked by higher chances of engaging in risky behaviors like heavy drinking, drug abuse, mental health problems, and potential involvement in gun-related crimes. It's crucial to note that students who misuse substances not only jeopardize their own safety but also put others at risk. When firearms are involved, the outcomes can be severe injuries or even death, underscoring the need for restrictions on gun access.
Pratt, Timothy. “Georgia 'campus carry' gun bill sparks heavy student and faculty backlash.” 8Fri. April 2016. http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/08/georgia-campus-carry-gun-bill-public-colleges-universities. 17 Sun. April 2016.
The article by Timothy Pratt titled "Georgia 'campus carry' gun bill sparks heavy student and faculty backlash" was published
on the 8th of April 2016. The source link to the article is http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/08/georgia-campus-carry-gun-bill-public-colleges-universities. The date of access for this source was on the 17th of April 2016.
Allowing firearms on college campuses would significantly increase the level of danger. This is primarily due to widespread issues like excessive drinking and drug abuse among college students. In fact, a significant proportion of full-time undergraduates in the United States engage in risky behaviors such as chronic alcoholism and substance misuse. Moreover, colleges face a higher risk of suicide and mental health problems, with approximately 1,100 successful suicides and 24,000 attempted suicides occurring annually.
If guns were easily accessible on college campuses, the number of suicide deaths could potentially rise even further since firearms are used in over 90% of fatal suicide attempts. In comparison, drug overdoses only have a 3% fatality rate for suicide attempts. Additionally, concerns arise regarding accidental shootings and gun thefts. Research indicates that guns stored at homes are more likely to be involved in accidental fires rather than being used for self-defense.
Moreover, a significant number of gun owners are unaware that their firearm is loaded. In addition, school dormitories are often targeted by thieves seeking guns, which are commonly used in suicides. If students had access to weapons, they would not be held responsible for any consequences that may arise. Thus, it is essential for universities to prioritize the safeguarding of their students' well-being. Both school administrators and campus law enforcement share the duty of ensuring safety for substitute teachers, staff members, and visitors on campus.
Schools that do not establish a secure setting or disregard safety procedures may experience repercussions. Law enforcement officers
stationed at schools receive training in managing crises, including the proper use of firearms and ensuring the safety of the campus.
Source: GunViolenceArchive.org. http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports. 2016.
When it comes to school weapon owners, their limitations differ from others. Their sole responsibility is for their own safety. In the event of a shootout where they unintentionally harm other students - which is probable as even trained police officers often miss their intended targets - they would assert self-defense and disclaim any accountability for causing the death of a fellow student.
Security experts argue that allowing students to retaliate would worsen the situation in the rare cases of mass shootings occurring on college campuses (Dickerson, Darby. "Students Should Not Be Allowed to Carry Guns on College Campuses. Guns and Crime.)
Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue.
Revised from the "White Paper—Guns on Cam. 2016": School gun owners have been proven to be dangerous, according to Harvard researchers. They are more likely than the average student to engage in excessive drinking, consume alcohol early in the morning, use drugs like cocaine or break, get arrested for DUI, vandalize property, and get into trouble with law enforcement.
Davis, Janel. “Kennesaw State students express opposition to campus carry.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution 15 March 2016. Thurs. 7 April 2016. Equipping students would not discourage the infrequent occurrence of campus shootings. Self-destructive attackers cannot be stopped.
The individuals responsible for mass shootings are frequently self-destructive and often end up taking their own lives at the conclusion of their rampages. Well-prepared students would likely become the primary targets of any suicidal attackers, who can anticipate such an attack by maximizing their potential. For example, a maniacal shooter who targeted
a city hall outside St. Louis, Missouri, in March 2008, initially shot and killed two armed police officers before proceeding with his rampage. He even used one of the officer's weapons to facilitate his attack.
Guns on Campus’ Laws for Public Colleges and Universities" - A Guide for Students and Parents, can be found at http://www.armedcampuses.org/. This information is provided by Armed Campuses © 2016. Accessed on Saturday, 17 April.
Having weapons present hampers the flourishing of academic debate. Freedom of expression is vital for allowing instructors and students to openly express their ideas, including addressing controversial subjects in research, writing, and classroom discussions. It is crucial that individuals face no punishment for challenging popular beliefs or advocating provocative notions. Similarly, students must be able to pursue knowledge without fear of being penalized or controlled by those who disagree with their perspectives.
Having armed students and teachers in classrooms would greatly reduce the positive evaluations of our educational system.
Recognizing the significance of schools' autonomy and independent leadership, the US Supreme Court affirmed this principle on April 17, 2016. This value is also upheld in many state constitutions.
Regarding guns, school organizations should have the freedom to establish their own strategies. There are improved methods for creating a safe college campus. To prevent future mass shootings, we should strengthen firearm laws to make it extremely difficult for dangerous individuals to obtain weapons.
