College campuses should allow concealed carry

The problem with restricting firearms on campuses like CSC is that students face that same need for protection on campus as they do anywhere else in society.

I am sure we have all seen signs around campus stating that firearms are not allowed but how many signs have you seen stating that violent crimes are illegal on campus?

For those of you who want to say that CSC is a small community that is isolated from violent crimes seen on larger campuses, you are wrong. From 2008 to 2010, there were four incidents of aggravated assault and one incident of forcible sexual assault. The crime is here on campus, so why do law abiding students lose their rights to protect themselves simply because they want an education?

The first thing that must be addressed is the myth that violence (or threat of violence) does not solve problems. Although violence may not be the most ideal form of restoring the peace, it does have an immediate effect. Don’t believe me? So what would you do if there was a shooting on campus? Call 911? At which point policemen would show up carrying firearms, thus the threat of force is present.

So now you are probably thinking that those who want concealed carry on campus are just a bunch of people wanting to be vigilantes. The answer is no. Anyone who has ever been through a concealed carry course understands that concealed carry weapons are designed for defensive not offensive purposes. They are designed and intended to provide you with a means to escape a situation, not to enter into a tactical situation. They have their intended purpose and are no scarier than a hammer.

Even if you do not believe in the concept of concealed carry on campus, you should at least educate yourself on how to respond to a school shooting. How many students and faculty now know what to do if a shooting did occur on campus? What would you do?

If you believe that lawful citizens should have the right to defend themselves, and this right should not be removed because they are seeking an education, I urge you to get involved in trying to change this law. Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is an organization which is trying to expand the rights of students around the country to defend themselves. From April 2 – 6 they are organizing peaceful protests by asking students to wear empty holsters to raise awareness of this issue. Students in Nebraska (UNL and Hasting College) have participated in these protests before.

So, for all those who do not believe that there is an invisible barrier against crime that protects the campus, get involved. Speak out and demand that you are given the same rights to defense that you are given elsewhere. Even if you have no intention of ever carrying a firearm, allowing others to do so might just save your life. Would a criminal be more likely to attack someone carrying firearms? I think not.

Do not be the easy target.