By The Mesquite Editorial Board
The Mesquite Editorial Board met to sound off on a controversial topic that hits home for the university — having concealed handguns on campus and in classrooms. Read more
After carefully considering potential outcomes, the Mesquite Editorial Board reached a 5 to 1 opinion against having licensed concealed carry weapons anywhere on campus.
While the board respects the freedom to bear firearms, the bottom line is that a classroom with armed students and instructors will change the learning environment for the worse.
Some would argue that having guns on campus would increase protection. Read more
But the majority of the board argues that if a student opens fire during an active shooting, it would instead cause confusion.
If higher household gun ownership correlates with higher rates of homicides, suicides and unintentional shootings, as reported by Harvard Injury Control Center, then a gun in the classroom is equally, if not more, dangerous.
Campus police undergo extensive training and are experienced in handling dangerous situations. It’s their job to protect; leave it in their hands.
Attending school each day knowing that anyone could be armed with a deadly weapon can create a hostile and unsafe environment for both students and employees.
Students may withhold their opinions during class discussions for fear of offending classmates, and instructors may feel uncomfortable lecturing to a class of armed students.
It could easily affect how an instructor grades student work, interacts with students and presents his or her course materials.
Under the law, professors would also be able to carry weapons, which could cause students to feel threatened.
A classroom that welcomes deadly weapons is a classroom fueled by fear, which isn’t appropriate for an environment that needs to encourage learning, expression of thought and above all, safety.
The gun issue is an attempt for decision-makers to address violent shootings that seem to be increasing in frequency across the nation. Instead of attempting to fight with fire, gun regulation laws need to be revisited.
Texas requires an individual seeking a concealed handgun license to pass a federal background check, not have committed a felony and not have been diagnosed with certain mental disorders.
Loose ends in gun control laws need be to addressed before schools welcome guns on campus. For instance, with the current gun laws individuals with undiagnosed mental disorders and violent people without a criminal record are still able to obtain a concealed handgun license.
Lawmakers don’t need to be concerned with protecting guns but with protecting people and enforcing safety in the learning environment. Allowing guns on campus is not a step in the right direction.
