The Effects of Campus Carry

The Effects of Campus Carry

By Katie Arp

kla81@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS, Texas— The state of Texas passed a law in August 2016 allowing concealed handguns to be carried on public campuses by people who have their license to carry. 

Through a process of interviews, members of the San Marcos community shared different opinions about the effect of the new law.

Program Coordinator at the Center for the Study of the Southwest at Texas State University Tammy Gonzales said she felt targeted and anxious on campus as a woman of color. 

“I felt threatened and targeted with all of the individuals on campus or in the area that feel they can lash out at minorities and people of color,” Gonzales said. “I don't bring my son on campus very much anymore because I don't feel that it's safe, I don't want us to get caught up in something.”

However, senior public relations major Dylan Dembowski said he agrees with the campus carry law because it increases the chances of a threat being detained more quickly. 

“I feel like it is a safer environment because it is a strong deterrent,” Dembowski said. “It lets other shooters know there is a chance that they can get shot back.”

Other faculty members of Texas State agr ee with the notion of racism increasing the chances of a campus shooting.

Administrative Assistant to Dr. Hartman at the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State Kristi Madden said she does not think campus carry should be an option.

“When racial tensions are high, when we come to work and there are ‘Blood and Soil’ flyers taped to our doors, I come into my office and I lock the door and I cry,” Madden said. “Because I don't even want to be at work, it doesn't feel like a safe place.”

Jordan Crawford, 21.

Likewise, Texas State journalism major Jordan Crawford said the extra requirements for a carry license still do not make her feel safer.

“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. “I don’t think that more guns are the answer and knowing that random students have them makes me uneasy.” 

While many students and faculty members disagree with the campus carry law, there are others that do feel safer with the law in effect.

Microbiology major Gabriel Tirado said he feels safer with the law in effect because people who have their own weapon are naturally inclined to protect themselves.

“I think the real issue there is people wanting to feel safe,” Tirado said. “And they’re guaranteed to feel more safe when they arm themselves, because its like taking actions into their own  hands, which makes them feel safe.”

Zachary Fowler, 23.

In addition, Texas State graduate Zachary Fowler said he feels campus carry is acceptable because there is an extensive process and many requirements for attaining a license to carry. 

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

Although members of the Texas State community do not all agree  with the campus carry law, there has yet to be any issue of shootings on their campus.