The subject of firearms on campus has been a topic of debate for the last few weeks. Last Wednesday the bill was approved by the Idaho House in a 41-28 vote and is moving on to the Senate.
The bill would allow concealed-carry weapons everywhere on state college and university campuses with the exception of undergrad student dorms.
ASUI President Stephen Parrott said ASUI is currently not taking a stance on the ability for students to obtain or not obtain firearms, but that they are more concerned by the possibility of the students losing their voice.
"There is currently a precedent around the nation of now allowing firearms on college campuses, but not through the K-12 system," Parrott said. "ASUI is opposing this bill because we feel that it's taking the voice and decision-making process away from students."
Currently the State Board of Education has the ability to make decisions with each individual college.
"If the decision-making process stayed that way and in the future a majority of students decided they wanted guns on campus, we could change it," Parrott said. "That is a big reason we do not support the bill, because we feel that students need to be able to make the decision for their generation and their times. If this bill is passed, we will lose that decision making."
Other issues regarding the bill have resulted in concerns regarding alcohol, the stress of school and speculations of shootings.
Angie Duran, a junior studying secondary education, said she believes guns in a college setting are inappropriate.
"I don't agree with the bill. I think it makes it more likely for there to be a school shooting," Duran said. "College brings out many emotions in people. Some good, some bad and allowing gun on campus in my opinion makes for a risky situation."
Patrick Shearer, sophomore, also said he believes the bill does not make campus safe, but more dangerous.
"I think a school shooting is incredibly unlikely to happen on our campus, but if it did, a student shooting another student that has a gun would still have to face the charges and legality for their action," Shearer said. "UI doesn't have a violent culture, and more guns do not equal more safety."
ASUI lobbyist Joe Black is concerned with various aspects concerning the bill. Black said he thinks the bill would strip students' voices and could have an effect on the quality of the learning experience.
"Imagine someone who grew up in a bigger city who didn't have gun influence in their childhood, like maybe someone from a small town did," Black said. "If that person were in class and sat next to someone who had a gun on their hip, they may be uncomfortable. Will they be able to learn, or how will their learning be if they are stressed out about that gun next to them?"
Although some students may be uncomfortable with guns, other students believe it's their constitutional right to be able to have guns on campus.
Liza McGeachin, a member of College Republicans, said the current ban on campus is a violation of the Second Amendment and students should feel encouraged to write their legislatures.
"I think that if somebody wants to go through the process to get a permit and feel comfortable with a gun on them, those aren't the people we need to worry about," McGeachin said. "I believe we need to protect our constitutional rights, however if alcohol was to get involved and if someone got a hold of a gun, while being inebriated, that could potentially be a serious problem."
Parrott said alcohol has been a concern from the Dean of Students Office and from other students on campus.
"I have heard from students who are concerned that when students show a sign of distress in the classroom and work it could result in a problem," Parrott said. "There has also been students who are concerned about the suicide that took place by the use of a firearm and alcohol was involved last year. However, a lot of this is hypothetical and will be addressed once the state legislature makes their decision."
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