How campus carry has affected students

By Seth Hennings
sah202@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas- Texas State University passed a law two years ago allowing students to carry concealed handguns on campus and students are still debating the potential consequences.

Many students felt afraid after the law passed. Texas State student Jordan Crawford said it makes her “uneasy” knowing that any student could be carrying.

“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,” Crawford said.

Texas State student Melanie Schuchert said, “I grew up around guns, but I always knew the people handling the guns were skilled and took safety measures.” “I do not have that same sense of security with strangers carrying guns on campus, especially with all the school shootings in recent history.”

Marissa Garcia, mother of student

Parents of students have also voiced their opinions. Marissa Garcia, mother of a student, said she is worried about people walking around campus with guns.

“It’s hard to not think the worst, after watching all these school shootings happen,” said Garcia. “Nothing big has happened there yet and I hope nothing ever does.”

Texas State student Ryan Carnley said that many of his professors were also upset about the law.

“I didn't understand it,” said Carnley. “It doesn't make any sense why you would want students to have guns on campus. I don't think having more weapons on campus makes it any safer.”

Many students seemed to trust the law and the process of receiving a concealed carry license.

Zachary Fowler, Texas State graduate

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

Texas State student Gabriel Tirado said that he believes that students just want to feel safe on campus.

“They’re guaranteed to feel more safe when they arm themselves, because it’s like taking actions into their own hands, which makes them feel safe,” said Tirado.

Some students have noticed that the law hasn’t changed their lives or daily experiences on campus.

“I honestly forgot it happened, I've never seen a student on campus carry, but it makes sense because why would you need to anyways,” Carnley said.

“There's even a guy in one of my classes who had a concealed firearm, and he told us the last day of class, and people freaked out, but I couldn't understand the problem,” said Tirado. “I didn't notice all semester.”

“A policy alone will not prevent someone from bringing and using a weapon, if he or she chooses to do so, “Schuchert said.