Legalization of Concealed Weapons in Colleges

In the recent past, there has been massive pressure on legalization of concealed carry in colleges among some states in the USA. Regardless of this, the myriads of post-secondary learning institutions in the United States render it illegal to have concealed weapons within the compounds. The impact of this is evident since it has made colleges and universities very conducive places for learning activities. A research that was conducted by the U.S Department of Education showed that there had been exponential growth in the number of homicides off campus among college students. It found out that in 1999, a minuscule percentage of approximately 0.006 per 100,000 students felt victims of murders. The subsequent years, the curve was seen rising progressively to 5.7 and 14 per cent per 100,000 students among youths of 17 to 29 years by age, respectively. At the same pace, U.S Department of justice also found out that about 92.5% of the post-secondary education students found in the homicide menaces happen off the learning institutions (Justice).

Devoid the fight against the legalization of concealed weapons in colleges, pro-gun movements in the U.S escalate very incredible pressure for the converse. It has made it evident and typical to have guns within college property, for instance, campuses in some states like Colorado, Texas, Utah and Idaho, among others have put the proposal into action. Here, individuals are allowed to access college premises such as research laboratories, classes, on-campus hostels and libraries. This action has shown a lot of demerits than the anticipated advantages for its approval (Department of Education). Guns on campus would escalate burglary among other violent crimes in the states. Some people may target the legalized concealed weapon holders and rip them off the arms for use in crimes like homicides and money haste activities like bank robbing. Consequently, a research conducted by the National Academy of Science in the U.S concluded that there is no harm as people carry concealed handguns to public places like markets, churches, restaurants, banks and shopping malls. It said that there is no significant increase in numbers of crimes as many people are legalized to own weapons in public premises (Zuckerman)

It is purported that possessing concealed guns on campus would promote the chances of suicidal incidences. Most of the campus students with age 21 and above, ideal period allowing one to maintain a concealed weapon, live off-campus. A higher percentage, about 91% of suicides are committed at homes, that is off-campus premises. There is no single study that has proven that when students have these weapons, they indulge in harmful activities while at school. It is, therefore, right to support the above statement and hence. Increased possession of handguns by campus students on-campus, thus doe not stimulate the chances of suicidal crimes among campus staffs (Ross).

Some say that guns on campus would alter and interfere with learning. The number of people having concealed armaments in the U.S range from about 2 to 3%.  This, therefore, means that, for instance, for moviegoers, a movie night composed of 1000 people, people holding concealed weapons are about 10 to 30. It is almost unfeasible to notice if someone has a concealed handgun. The word “Concealed” is very vital and should be properly comprehended. The impact of having a gun does not affect learning in any way as it could alter the moviegoers from enjoying their theatre similarly to office workers from carrying on with their daily routines (Chen). Colleges should majorly focus on preventive measures and safety of the institution but not rescuing of already deteriorated scenarios like worsened security states.  In conclusion, I, therefore, support the proposal to allow campus students and staff to carry concealed weapons on campus premises.

References

Chen, Grace. “Should Instructors be Allowed to Carry Guns on Campus.” Community College Review (2010): n.p. PDF Sample.

Department of Education. The Incidence of Crime on the Campuses of U.S. Thesis. New York: Office of Postsecondary Education, 2002. Document.

Justice, Department of. “Violent Victimization of College Students.” Research Report on Concealed Weapon Litigation in the U.S (2002): 1-6. PDF Document.

Ross, Eleanora Betsy. “Youth and Adolescent Suicide.” Oregon Resiliency Project, University of Oregon (2003): n.p. Document.

Zuckerman, Laura. “Idaho Lawmakers Pass Bill Allowing Concealed Guns on College Campuses.” Reuters (2014): n.p. Document.