Campus Carry: Two years later

Campus Carry: Two years later

By Silvia Contreras

Smc190@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas—Texas State students expressed their thoughts and opinions about the law that granted licensed citizens the right to carry concealed handguns on campus.

Esperanza Cuevas, 21

The campus carry law, also known as Senate Bill 11, went into effect August 1, 2016. Many students, faculty and residents of the San Marcos community questioned all the possible outcomes that would unfold because of the new campus carry law. Esperanza Cuevas, psychology major, did not think the bill was going to pass, that when it did she described it as a “wow, what now” moment.

Many students were split between being totally against the idea of campus carry or totally for it. While some students did not care about the decision of this bill, some students felt terrified. Jordan Crawford, journalism major, said this bill could become real problematic. “People can have poor judgement when they are threatened or scared, so people might be inclined to use their guns when it’s not necessary.”

Residents of Texas who are above the age of 21 or a United States veteran can apply for a license to carry a concealed handgun. Once the application is submitted, the applicant must then attend a six-hour course and pass the required examinations. Joseph Barmore, US veteran and computer information systems major, said “there are some people who shouldn’t just be able to go to a weekend class and carry a weapon around, but people who are appropriately trained and have experience should fully be able to enjoy their second amendment rights on or off campus.”

Zachary Fowler, 23

When asked whether the campus carry law was leading the university in a positive or negative direction, recent graduate Zachary Fowler said, “It goes both ways. I’d like to say yes, but I’m conflicted. I think it’s nice to have people defending themselves, but the risk of accidents goes up with more guns around.”

Melanie Schuchert. 19

It has been two years since the campus carry law went into effect, and some students’ feelings have slightly drifted since. “To be honest I don’t even think about it anymore,” Kevin Harris, marketing major, said. “At first, I remember it being a big deal because the requirements to get a license wasn’t even that hard.”

Melanie Schuchert, accounting major, felt the same way and said she saw no visible change in learning environment at Texas State. “Over time, the campus carry policy went to the back of my mind.”