Throughout the history of the United States, commu Essays

Throughout the history of the United States, communities and institutions alike have suffered from the wrath of gun violence. On both sides of the issue, there have been many disagreements between U.S representatives and their constituents. Proponents of being able to have firearms on campus have argued that equipping students and faculty alike with guns can help reducethe probability of a mass shooting. Contrarily, opposition to the idea has suggested that more weaponry would only result in more casualties. This paper will outline the fundamental differences between those on both sides of the aisle, in regards to school faculty and students being equipped with firearms to combat potential threats. Guns being permitted/allowed for students to carry has been a hostile debate. Proponents for the issue have argued that since there is no viable way of knowing when a deranged psychopath may start spraying bullets. One example of an instance that resonates with gun proponents for campuses is that of the fatal Virginia tech shooting. Per a review by the U.S. Department of Education released in May [2010], Virginia Tech took more than two hours to notify students of the first two murders (Burnett 1). Within that time, had students been notified, they may have had time to prepare for self-defense by the time the shooter had reached them. Another fact that backs up the pro-gun argument on campuses is the fact that incidents are less likely statistically where guns are prevalent. CSU is an example, as the school's crime rate has steadily declined ever since, dropping from 800 crimes in 2002 to 200 in 2008 (Burnett 4). Furthermore, incidents have shown that police simply cannot make it in time for every firearm involved incident. An example of this proves as follows: "at the University of Alabama (Huntsville), a Harvard-trained professor is accused of shooting six of her colleagues, while the campus police station was literally next door to the site of the murder." (Burnett 6). Believers in guns on campus argue that the second amendment should apply everywhere, including the sanctuary known as a college campus. Those against guns on campus sing a completely different tune entirely. College campuses are full of mischievous, curious, and testosterone filled individuals. Like high schools, egos run high, and not everyone is bound to get along in college. One argument for no guns on college campuses is as follows "Among the concerns with concealed carry laws or policies are: the potential for accidental discharge or misuse of firearms at on-campus or off-campus parties where large numbers of students are gathered or at student gatherings where alcohol or drugs are being consumed," (Dickerson 3). This brings up a very valid point, in that colleges suffer from dealing with violence and assault at high statistics as it is. Opposition of guns on campus argue that introducing guns to a drug and alcohol filled environment is lighting fire with fire. Another point made is that the human brain does not fully develop until 24 (Dickerson 4), and that "judgment that involves resisting impulses or delaying gratification is still under construction during late adolescence and early adulthood." (Dickerson 5). This essentially supports the overall claim that 18 year olds are not nearly responsible enough to carry deadly weapons, especially when they have not fully developed their judgement and reasoning abilities. Overall, I am not a believer in guns for college students. I believe a clear majority of college undergraduates are still immature, and would abuse the privilege. My biggest concern would be allowing firearms into the same environment that is drug and alcohol induced. Guns should be for responsible adults, especially over the age of 21. To introduce guns on college campuses is to lead the youth into becoming more trigger happy as result. Students in college can be volatile and have bad temperament, both conditions that would suffice for supporting the notion that guns shouldn't be allowed on college campuses at all. WORKS CITED Burnett, David. "Students Should Have the Right to Carry Guns on College Campuses." Guns and Crime. Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Colleges Reveal Their Plan to Keep Students from Becoming Victims of On-Campus Violence: Duck Cover." National Rifle Association