In the recent past, the question of whether the government should allow the use of guns on college campuses has evoked debates. Proponents of this initiate assert that allowing guns in universities with a well-educated student body will provide defense, make them safer, and improve the overall gun responsibility. It is also argued that the amendment does not allow students to carry guns while drunk; therefore, it is a more reliable strategy. By contrast, opponents say that the use of firearms in college campuses will worsen the security because most students do not know how t9 used them.
Proponents of the use of guns in college campuses argue that they will make everyone in college safer. According to the second amendment, regardless of the policy of considerations, carrying of concealed arms is part of the right protected under this amendment. Hence, the carrying of guns can only be prohibited if they are carried openly. In this view, it is also argued that the faculty and college students should be allowed to carry guns for their protection. Moreover, history has it that college students are not able to protect themselves from assailants, therefore the need to carry guns (Birnbaum 2). In light of this, there are growing fears of attacks in colleges because of the increased consumption of online terrorist group’s ideologies. Therefore, when students are armed, they will be able to protect themselves from the danger of such individuals who are after their innocent lives. For instance, Mrs. Collins, who was raped on campus, testified to have the second amendment passed in colleges and universities. If she had had a gun, she would have probably defended herself from that rapist (Schwarz 13). Therefore, colleges must ensure that students are armed to protect them from such dangers of individuals.
Aside from the second amendment supporting guns in colleges, allowing weapons in these institutions will ensure that the universities can defend themselves. It is worth noting that free gun zones are perfect breeding grounds for criminals. Such areas offer protections to assailants who are sure to go scot-free after committing their heinous acts. They are also confident that they are not likely to face any resistance if they attack such places. Because of this, it should be remembered that Virginia Tech was assaulted because of was vulnerable due to its policy of free gun zone. Hence, to better defend these campuses, it would be paramount if concealed carry would have been allowed (Burnett 5). In the same manner, the school buildings are not offering secure protections for students. For instance, whenever there is an attack, students are urged to call 911 or pretend to be dead. Such strategies can prove ridiculous in this ear because assailants have become more lethal, whereby they will confirm if a person is indeed dead by shooting them again and again. Therefore, exposing campus students to such threats is an unwarranted action which the state, in conjunction with the federal governments, should investigate and offer solutions.
Similarly, proponents assert that the state has statutes which prohibit license holders from carrying these gun while they are drunk. Therefore, this is a safe strategy since the drunk students will not be allowed to carry guns, but those who are sober will be given the nod. For example, evidence from Colorado University shows that there is a decrease in crime rates with an increase in the use of guns. More specifically, it is noted that violence and crime rates in the school have been dropping from about 800 in 2002 to about 200 in 2008. Also, the rate of sexual offenses in 2002 was 47, whereas in 2008 were only 2 (Burnett 4). Therefore, such a tremendous decline in these behaviors is an indication that guns are working the magic. Offenders often fear the possibility of being apprehended by the mob when they know that other students have guns. They hence restrain from their bad behaviors and activities, which is also crucial in shaping a morally upright society. Given this critical development, the bill should be passed, which would restore sanity in the learning environments. Likewise, students will feel safer when they carry concealed guns on college campuses.
Nevertheless, some argue students do not have knowledge of using guns, and thus, it will increase the level of violence and insecurity in college campuses. In particular, it is noted that most college students indulge in excessive alcohol consumption, and allowing them to carry guns under this influence will cause dangers to other students. On the same note, students will be influenced by alcohol to seek revenge for the people who may have wronged them in any way. Likewise, there are those students who are not acquainted with the use of guns and handing them this opportunity will increase the dangers of hurting themselves or the people around them. Also, opponents think that when arms are mixed with alcohol are a disaster and a threat to the immediate environment (Dickerson 4). Indeed it is true because some of these students are not mature enough, and they will be using these guns as toys, and in the process, they may accidentally shoot themselves. Just the same way children might harm themselves; college students should also be treated the same style and be allowed to carry guns after they have matured into people who can make their own decisions. In this manner, colleges and universities need to prevent the usage of firearms because they will be increasing the dangers of students and their friends in equal measure.
In summation, the question of whether to permit the usage of guns on college campuses has evoked mixed reactions from different people in society. Some propose this strategy, whereas others argue it is not the right direction to take at this time of civilization. In specific, supporters of this move say that the use of guns in colleges will make the learning environments safer. In defense of this, they add that assailants take advantage of the defenseless nature of most universities and arming students is the key to preventing such individuals from misbehaving in the society. Besides, they argue that institutions such as Colorado University, which have implemented the concealed carry amendment, are enjoying benefits. I particular, there has been a reduction in cases of violence, rape, and other criminal activities. On the other hand, opponents argue that allowing guns in varsities will increase the level of insecurity. They particularly point out that students under the influence of alcohol will take this advantage and hurt others. However, guns should not be allowed in colleges because some students might also be tempted to use them on their lecturers. Likewise, the learning environment will be characterized by fear, which will lead to some people not expressing their ideas freely.