Hand Guns on Texas State Campus Reason for Discussion

By:  Gabrielle Gibson

Whether for or against it, students have something to say about the Campus Carry law, and aren’t taking the matter lightly.

Interviews on Monday revealed that students were aware of the campus carry law effecting Texas State University starting August 1, 2016. Texas State legislature passed a law allowing people, with a license to own a gun, to carry a concealed handgun on campus. Although people that can have a handgun license have to be over the age of 21, all age students and staff will be 

effected by this law. 

Terry Bertling
Photo by: Morgan Mitchell

According to an update by Jayme Blaschke, on Texas State’s website, approximately 59 percent of students on campus are eligible to carry a concealed handgun license. But there are strict rules and certain places handguns will not be permitted, like sporting events.

One lecturer, Terry Bertling, 60, said that she would rather students not carry and that it does not create a good environment for learning.      

Taylor Cavin
Photo by: Corey Rowland 

Some students also mentioned the effect it might have in class. There is a fear that controversial subjects could cause someone to take matters into their own hands. 

Taylor Cavin, 20, points out that UPD is increasing their task force in response to this law being passed.

“Why would they need to do that if we are safer?” Cavin said.

Hakeer Kaymore
Photo by: Bailey Savage 

President Denise Trauth formed a 25-member Campus Carry Task Force, comprised of faculty, staff, students, and administrators, Blaschke said. This task force was formed in response to the law being passed. 

Hakeer Kaymore, 19, a business management major who opposes campus carry. 

 “Students actually in class may feel more scared to speak up because of other peoples  reactions.” Kaymore said. 

Of all the students interviewed, majority said they are not in favor of this new law being passed. 

Carlos Flores
Photo by: Annie Hughes

"I'm completely against it of course! I feel that the excuse of needing weapons to protect ourselves is a poor argument.” Carlos Flores said. 

Carlos, 20, is an english major and said it would be unnecessary because UPD is already on campus. 

Arte Vega
Photo by: Gabrielle Gibson

Though not as many supporting students were interviewed, Arte Vega said he supports it. Vega  is a 19-year-old computer science major. Although he has a few years until he would be allowed to own a gun of his own, he said he believes in the second amendment.

Some say that the security of having a gun makes them feel safer.

“In a way I kinda support it because if a school shooter were to come by it would be a lot faster for a student to react than have somebody having to come all the way over here and react” Kristin Courtney said. 

Kristen Courtney, 18, is a biology major. Although she supported it, she has no plans of getting a license and bringing a gun to school. 

Kristen Courtney
Photo by: Rebecca Mendoza

Students, staff and officers all have an opinion about this new law. Rules by President Trauth have been released with an overview of policies.