Support and Opposition Loom Over the Topic of Campus Carry Among the Students and Faculty at Texas State University

By Morgan Mitchell

Students and faculty of Texas State University spoke out about their concerns regarding the new Senate Bill 11.

August 1, 2016 will not only be a day of remembrance, marking the 50^th anniversary of the mass shooting at the University of Texas, but it will also be the day that Senate Bill 11 takes effect.

Senate Bill 11 states that any licensed person may carry a concealed gun with them on the campus property. This includes classrooms, dorms, and other common areas on campus.

Melanie Bush
Photo by Erik Rodriguez

Texas State University, as well as other higher education facilities, has held several forums and meetings to discuss concerns over the matter. The opinions seemed to have been evenly split between opposition and support; some with great arguments in support of the law.

Melanie Bush, a student at Texas State University was in favor of the law particularly for women on campus who might have late night classes.

“With the assaults that happen late at night on campus,” Bush said. “I understand [wanting to carry].”

Carlos Flores
Photo by Annalise Hughes

Many, however, feel that that is not a good enough argument. Carlos Flores, an English major at Texas State University argued against the law.

“I feel that the excuse of needing weapons to protect ourselves is a poor argument,” Flores said.

Jesse Miara
Photo by Clayton Kilavo

Jesse Miara, a Computer Science major at Texas State University, believed that this law is simply allowing individuals to exercise their right as set forth by the Second Amendment.

“I am for it partially, but just because it’s a constitutional right under the Second Amendment,” Miara said.

Heather C. Galloway
Photo by Ron Silva

While exercising their right to bear arms, the Dean of the Honors College, Heather C. Galloway, believes that the First Amendment will be diminished for others.

“I guess the one big concern I have is that supposedly other universities that have enacted Campus Carry are encouraging their faculty to avoid discussing controversial topics,” Galloway said.

Terry Bertling
Photo by Morgan Mitchell

Terry Bertling, an adjunct lecturer and journalist for the San Antonio Express News, is also against the law. Bertling would much rather not allow students to carry.

“It doesn’t create a good environment for learning,” Bertling said.

Kristen Courtney
Photo by Rebecca

Still, there are students who believe that Campus Carry will make the campus much safer. Kristen Courtney, a biology student at Texas State is in support of the law.

“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,” Courtney said.