2,850 Views
0 Shares

Florida Considers a Bill That Would Allow Concealed Carry on College Campus

Advertisement
Advertisement

Concealed carry on Florida college and university campuses could be getting a passing grade. A proposed Florida bill allowing concealed carry on campus may soon be made into law, forcing the state government to reconsider their commitment to the safety of the Sunshine state’s college staff and students.

House Bill 4005 would allow students over the age of 21 who pass their state’s background check and concealed carry permit requirements, and do not have felonies or drug-related charges, to arm themselves for self-defense on Florida’s campuses. There are several sides to the discussion of this controversial bill.

A recent violent attack that took place on Florida State University campus has once again brought student safety to the forefront of the state’s government officials. Just this past November, a gunman opened fire at a student library around midnight. After injuring three studying students and scaring hundreds more, the gunman fired at police and was killed in return fire.

Florida could soon be following the examples of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Mississippi, all of which allow concealed carry on the property of public universities to a certain degree. Twenty-three other states leave it up to the school to decide concealed carry rules. Current Florida law only allows people to store a gun in their car while on campus.

One of the main arguments of those that oppose the bill is that university campuses are filled with emotional and immature students and adding guns into the mix will only result in increased danger.  According to the American Association of Community Colleges though, the average age of a community college student is now 29. The population and demographics of college students changes, and legislation must be evaluated in light of that.

Another argument proposes that college is primarily for learning and personal growth, and allowing students to carry concealed would disrupt a college’s peaceful atmosphere. Others argue that a poor college student living in a dirty dorm room is not appealing to thieves and attackers, so concealed carry is unnecessary.

Supporters the bill argue that, even though campus crime rates seem fairly low, offenses like murder, rape, and assault still do occur on campuses across the country. Some worry that actual crime statistics released by universities may be under-reported by campus security in an effort to present a better public image of the school.

Supporters also argue that students who have the proper training and certifications to carry concealed are permitted to carry at countless other locations all over their home state and country, so banning them on university property just doesn’t make sense. They argue that this just lets would-be attackers know that a college campus is the one place where they know they won’t encounter someone armed with a gun for self-defense.

No matter what the final result is concerning Florida’s House Bill 4005, the fact remains that a person who is certified to carry concealed and familiar with using a gun for protection can be an asset to themselves and anyone around them. If the bill is passed into law, university students and staff should consider the many advantages of carrying concealed while on campus.

 

Comments:

Advertisement
Advertisement