In the California Senate, SB 707 is making its rounds. It’s meant to expand upon the already controversial, vaguely worded Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995. Outside of the fact it extends the limits of an imaginary “gun free zone” out to 1,000 feet, it would also deny valid, legal CCW holders from carrying on campus. The specific word is as follows:
…This bill would also delete the exemption that allows a person
holding a valid license to carry a concealed firearm, and a retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm, to possess a firearm on the campus of a university or college…SB 707, Lois Wolk (D-Davis)
Prior to this bill being introduced, those with conceal carry permits (including retired peace officers) were allowed to come and go onto university campuses without fear of the state mandated felony that is normally associated with illegally carrying a firearm onto a designated school zone.
While little is known about whether this bill will pass the Senate and see Governor Jerry Brown’s desk is another matter entirely. What is known is that given the very articulate wording in this bill, it would effectively be the nail in the coffin for allowing law abiding concealed carry weapon holders from entering onto college and university grounds of public and private institutions.
California Staunchly Still “May Permit”
As states such as Texas are finally in the closing stages of signing in a bill that would allow concealed carry on campus, California still supports their “may permit” mentality that denies law abiding folk access to their Second Amendment rights. Not satisfied enough with limiting the ability of its citizens to protect themselves from harm, apparently additional provisions are needed to make the restrictions even greater and the penalties harsher.
But what about other states which have either always allowed or have recently allowed concealed carry on campus?
Colorado Stands the Test of Time for Campus CCW
via Washington Post
In 2003, the Colorado legislature enacted the Concealed Carry Act. The statute was written by County Sheriffs of Colorado, the organization which represents all 62 of Colorado’s elected Sheriffs. The Act passed with broad bipartisan support, including all Republicans and almost every Democrat except some from Denver and Boulder. The National Rifle Association and the Firearms Coalition of Colorado supported the Act.
There you have it. A state that was able to go past the childish arguments that adult-aged college students, faculty, and school employees were more a threat to themselves and others than truly vicious criminal elements who would seek to use violence against them. More importantly, the Concealed Carry Act was written through corroboration with existing law enforcement agencies operating in Colorado who understood the conditions their law abiding citizens are faced with.
Texas Sees the Light of CCW Campuses
And Texas, thankfully, is about to join the ranks of the concealed carry on campus movement with a recent bill signed into law.
via NY Times
Supporters say it will make college campuses safer by not preventing licensed gun owners from defending themselves and possibly saving lives should a mass shooting occur, such as the one that unfolded at Virginia Tech University in 2007.
The rationale is simple. Where a populace is well armed and trained, those seeking to do harm to themselves or others will be negatively impacted in their actions. Those seeking safety and security will also have the privilege of being able to take a first-hand role in ensuring the survival of themselves and their classmates should another catastrophic event occur similar to that of Virginia Tech.
The real question college students, faculty, and university employees ought be asking themselves – how much trust do they place in campus police being able to come to their aid in a life or death situation? If that answer is less than confirming, then legalizing and promoting the proper concealment and use of firearms is a just and proper act.
How do you feel about having faculty or students armed on campus? Tell us in the comments section below.