Student Congress passed legislation Tuesday night that officially opposes the carrying of concealed firearms on campus.
Student congress’ legislation opposed the Oklahoma House of Representatives’ bill that would allow certain students, faculty and employees to carry concealed handguns on Oklahoma college campuses.
Advocates for Student Congress’ legislation argued that the inclusion of weapons in a university environment would not be beneficial to campus security, but rather detrimental.
“Colleges are a traditionally gun-free zone,” said Sam Ikard, political science junior and author of the legislation. “Even though there have been some prominent shootings at universities in the past, they’re exceptions to the rule.”
Ikard also said that it would be highly difficult for law enforcement to discern between a gunman and a student with a conceal-and-carry license during an emergency.
Political science junior Matt Gress, who supports concealing and carrying weapons, said that efforts should be made to focus on measures that would prevent shootings in the first place.
“We should work to identify red flag situations,” he said.
Political science sophomore Buzz Becker opposes. He said Student Congress should try to understand the logic behind the Oklahoma House of Representatives’ bill, rather than drawing a line in the sand.
Some members of Student Congress, like Frank Wood, zoology and biomedical sciences senior, wanted to let students vote on the issue for themselves in the spring.
“I represent thousands of students in the life sciences district, and I’m interested to hear what they have to say on the issue,” he said.
International business sophomore Brett Stidham said concealed weapons should not be allowed because not everyone is capable of wielding a weapon responsibly.
“Rights to carry guns are your prerogative,” he said. “But not all rights should be included in all situations, like in a classroom setting.”
The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts about this article. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or straying from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of OUDaily.com. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register
darlingt 3 years, 6 months ago
In response to Brett Stidham's quote: The point of a concealed carry program is to first train students in proper use of a gun. The only ones who would be licensed are those who successfully complete this training, as well as meet other criteria. Not every drunk frat boy is going to be packing if the House's bill passes.
Y'know, after all the talk earlier this year about political discourse, why weren't the students invited to participate in this discussion?
JJanowiak 3 years, 6 months ago
Probably because it was a completely ridiculous discussion and I long with nearly everyone else would never trust you yahoos with a weapon on campus. Most of us would simply leave the university - DB knew that, and that's why he talked everything down.
Flips88 3 years, 6 months ago
It would actually allow only honorably discharged military personnel to carry them.
You know who the President of OSU pointed out was honorably discharged from the military?
Timothy McVeigh.