Campus Carry Divide Two Years Later

Micah Cavender

MicahJCavender@gmail.com

Texas — Two years after the campus carry law was passed, students still hold conflicting views regarding the necessity of the law.

When the law passed in August 2016, the initial reaction was divided.  Some students were fine with the law being passed, others were vehemently opposed to it and some forgot the law even passed.

Elliot Golden, a former Texas State student, could not recall the law passing.

“It passed?” Golden said.  “I heard something about it once before in reference to a protest on the UT campus.”

Golden, a 23-year-old veteran feels that this law shouldn’t have been passed as it makes campuses unsafe. “Why do people need guns on campus?” Said Golden.  “With everything we have seen in the last few years with mass shootings, I think we know that guns more often create issues than solve problems.”

Ryan Carnley, a Texas State senior shared a similar opinion. “It doesn't make any sense why you would want students to have guns on campus.” Carnley said.  “I don't think having more weapons on campus makes it any safer.”

He even recalls one of his teachers that year said she would quit if the law was passed.  “Guess she’s no longer a teacher here.”

However, some students this the law passing is was a great idea for campus safety.  One of these students is Taylor Moody, a 23-year-old Texas State sophomore.

“Law abiding, American adults to be allowed the right to carry their firearms.”  Moody said.  “Especially considering recent tragedies.”

However, Jordan Crawford, a Journalism Major thinks the extra requirements for obtaining a license won’t do much to prevent unqualified individuals from conceal carrying.

“A little, but not by much.”  Crawford said.  “People can have poor judgement when they are threatened or scared, so people might be inclined to use their gun when it’s not necessary.”

Zachary Fowler, a Texas State graduate is comfortable with students carrying on campus.

“If a student is responsible enough and has proper verification I think it's ok.”  Fowler said.  “The verification process from my understanding is pretty elaborate so I think that alone weeds out the irresponsible individuals.”

Clay Shetters, a supervisor for a local Home Depot thinks that this isn’t only an issue for college students/faculty to consider.

“I don’t go to the university often but events that happen at the school also affect the community.” Shetters said.  “I live in San Marcos and I work with a lot of college students and I know some people did not feel comfortable.”

However, Shetters think the law has potential to swing in either a positive or negative direction.

“I think there are bad people in the world and sometimes it would be ideal to protect yourself from them.”  Shetters said.  “In a perfect world, this bill would be good. Especially with the events that have been happening throughout the country with school shootings, my support for the bill has increased. But like I said, in a perfect world.”