GUNS ON CAMPUS

In the wake of an ever increasing number of school shootings, many people are asking whether or not it would be prudent and wise to allow students and teachers who have gone through the appropriate channels to carry loaded weapons on campus and in the classroom. In fact, Senator Erwin of Alabama is putting that very idea before the state legislature. Senator Erwin believes that the time is long overdue for us to have this discussion, and he hopes his bill will bring it out into the open.

Many people are opposed to this idea, especially those within the educational establishment. Many fear that it would result in more events similar to those at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois. Others insist that it would create, in their opinion, and unnerving learning environment. Still others are opposed to it on purely ideological grounds, being opposed to most any deregulation of currently existing gun laws.

But do their arguments and concerns hold up to scrutiny? I don't believe so.

First of all, the people who committed these crimes weren't law abiding citizens that went through the proper channels. These people were not only diabolical, they were criminal. Under Erwin's proposal, the new law would only include those who pass inspection and undergo the kind of weapons safety training currently required under law.

Secondly, the naysayers presume that allowing guns on campus will result in a sudden surge in those interested. Granted, there would be a mild increase in numbers, but it would be far from the "everyone would be packing" doomsday scenario envisioned by the opponents. Nobody is talking about passing out guns like candy on Halloween. The same rules apply, and the same type of citizens currently submitting to the process would be the ones to likely purchase such weaponry.

Third, an unnerving environment is one where any lunatic could walk in with an illegally purchased weapon with the sole intention of killing the most people he can before taking his own life, all the while being confident that there isn't one living soul in the classroom that could stop him short of his scheme. It is unnerving that one shooter could cause an entire classroom of students to run and hit the floor, fearing for their life, knowing that there is nothing but the desk they cower under to protect them. That is unnerving! Were the renegade student to be aware of the fact that the teacher and/or students have loaded weapons on the other side of the door, he may think twice before opening fire.

Fourth, these law-abiding students carrying weapons may not deter the mentally unstable from unloading on students, but minimizing the damage is certain worth their having the right to carry in the classroom. Thirty-two students, teachers, and faculty were killed at Virginia Tech. Thirty more were wounded. Even if the law-abiding gun-carrier were to drop that number from 32 to 30, I can list off two people and 4 parents who would be thankful that a brave student stood in defense of classmates who were otherwise defenseless.

Regardless of whether or not the law in Alabama passes, it is providing a framework wherein the discussion can be held. This, in and of itself, is a good thing. In fact, I'd dare say it is too many dead students overdue.