Spring Break
Bill to allow firearm possession on campus
The effects of VA Tech
HAYLEY PETERSON
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News
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A proposed bill permitting the transport of firearms on campus has triggered debate questioning if pupils and pistols make for a safe mix.
"I'm a little concerned about weapons being readily available, considering the number of our students who overindulge in alcohol," University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson said Tuesday in a phone interview. "I don't know if society is quite ready for the Old West mentality to come back."
Williamson said he was concerned that in the case of a standoff, it would be much more difficult for police to discern between criminals and law-abiding citizens.
"How are police to know who the bad guy or good guy is?" he said.
The current law prohibiting weapons on campus states the possession of a weapon on or within 1,000 feet of any property owned or used by the University is a felony, according to Georgia code law.
Penalties for violation can include a fine up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
The Second Amendment Protection Act of 2008 would change all of that. The bill, proposed by Georgia state Rep. Tim Bearden, would revise the current law and allow guns on campus.
Matt Suber, a senior political science and speech communication major and former University College Republicans board member, said he is in favor of the bill, as he is with any law consistent with the Bill of Rights.
"There are a lot of folks in this community for whom a firearm is part of their life," Suber said. "They naturally carry a shotgun in the back of their truck. For them, it is a matter of convenience; but more importantly, for some students, it provides a sense of security."
Suber said the shootings at Virginia Tech might have been prevented if guns were readily available on campus.
"It is the job of campus police to secure the campus. It is also the job of every individual citizen to look after their own security," he said.
Peyton Bradford, president of the University's Young Democrats, said more guns on campus would have an adverse effect on students' sense of safety.
"The more guns we can keep off campus, the better served we would be," Bradford said. "Even the most responsible gun owner can drop it. It is not so much the risk of the person carrying the gun, but of those around them."
Williamson said allowing guns on campus would cause a slight increase in crime.
"I suspect we would see more incidents of violence, occurring during moments of strong emotion or in the presence of alcohol," he said.
But Suber said he didn't think the bill would lead to a proliferation of firearms.
Regardless of what happens in the legislation, Williamson said University police would adjust accordingly.
"We are here to facilitate what the legislation decides," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 32
Stonewall
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:12 AM EST
The Chief forgot to say that only citizens that are 21 years of age or older, must go to a probate Judge to get a GBI, FBI and NICS background check (via fingerprints at the Sheriff's office), and sign off to allow a mental background check to be ran, then the Judge will give a license if everything comes back clean. (Continued…)
kv
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:17 AM EST
"Williamson said allowing guns on campus would cause a slight increase in crime." I would like to see Williamson back this up with facts. To be honest I don't feel safe on my part of campus at night and the idea that I am not lawfully allowed to defend myself is ridiculous. (Continued…)
Winfield J. Abbe
posted 4/02/08 @ 7:37 AM EST
The recent shootouts from Virginia to Illinois, to Missouri to the tragic deaths in Chapel Hill and Auburn illustrate that the police, as much as they might try, cannot be everywhere at once and cannot provide adequate security for everyone. (Continued…)
Christine
posted 4/02/08 @ 8:31 AM EST
As an alumni of UGA, and current high school teacher in the county in Virginia where the VA Tech shooter went to school, I admit that my students' and my safety is always a worry sitting on the edge of my mind. (Continued…)
BC
posted 4/02/08 @ 8:44 AM EST
I realize that my view does not fit in with those above me..but I feel that I at least need to say something. It scares me to no end to think that someone could come into a classroom and start shooting. (Continued…)
James D. Cool
posted 4/02/08 @ 9:10 AM EST
These shooting tragedies show clearly that each state needs responsible handgun carry laws especially for educational institutions. It would be absurd to allow every college student to be armed but responsible licensed adult students (including veterans and former police officers) as well as university employees and staff should have that option. (Continued…)
Ben Garner
posted 4/02/08 @ 9:25 AM EST
The students that should be allowed to carry on campus are the same citizens that are ALREADY carrying weapons for self defense in other parts of GA. These responsible, licensed individuals manage to avoid drinking too much, dropping their guns, scaring other people, confusing police and starting trouble in every other place they carry. (Continued…)
William
posted 4/02/08 @ 10:10 AM EST
As a law enforcement officer I fully support this bill. Athens is a dangerous place just look at all the unsolved murders, unsolved serial rapes last year, shooting in five points last week, endless burglaries, car break ins, muggings. (Continued…)
Harry
posted 4/02/08 @ 1:41 PM EST
"The current law prohibiting weapons on campus states the possession of a weapon on or within 1,000 feet of any property owned or used by the University is a felony, according to Georgia code law. (Continued…)
stapler
posted 4/02/08 @ 3:23 PM EST
"The current law prohibiting weapons on campus states the possession of a weapon on or within 1,000 feet of any property owned or used by the University is a felony, according to Georgia code law"
How the hell is that a felony in the first place? I thought felonies were for when someone killed someone or raped someone. (Continued…)
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