Concealed Carry Bill Aims to Protect Students’ Right to Self-Defense(LA)

thepelicanpost.org ^ | 16 May, 2011 | Justin Spittler

[marktwain]

Supporters refute notion that concealed carry laws lead to higher gun violence

BATON ROUGE, La. – In a legislative session filled with bills to heavily alter Louisiana’s higher education system, students of public universities and colleges may soon experience one more adjustment: concealed weapons on campus.

HB 413, sponsored by Representative Ernest Wooton (I – Belle Chase), would allow licensed individuals to bring concealed firearms onto campuses of public universities, colleges, and post-secondary vocational schools. The bill was introduced to the House on April 25.

The state’s 36,000 concealed handgun permit holders would have the same self-defense rights they possess elsewhere, with a few notable exceptions. Licensed firearm carriers would be required to inform school officials of their intent to carry on campus. In addition, residence halls and sporting venues would retain their “gun-free zone” statuses.

HB 413 isn’t Rep. Wooton’s first stab at bringing firearms closer to schools. Last year, his HB 556, signed into law by Governor Jindal, negated the 1,000 foot “Gun Free School Zone” that previously shielded school campuses.

Louisiana isn’t the only state pursuing looser guns laws in the name of self-defense. More than twenty states introduced similar concealed carry bills this year, with legislation awaiting decision in Michigan and Nevada.

In Texas, the epicenter for this issue, a campus carry bill has been approved by the state Senate. Governor Rick Perry has already assured the constituency of his intention to sign the bill, despite outspoken opposition from the presidents of Texas’ two largest public universities: Texas A&M and UT-Austin.

So far, representatives of the Louisiana State University Education System haven’t publicly expressed opposition to HB 413, though they have raised concerns.

In particular, the office of LSU’s Chancellor stated that the “flow of ideas” may be compromised if weapons were present in classrooms. The idea that armed students could effectively thwart a gun-toting assailant was also challenged. In the event of a school shooting, “a permit doesn’t indicate that the carrier can properly assess the situation and take appropriate action.” Well-intentioned students may also inadvertently draw fire upon themselves from members of law enforcement who, in crisis situations, perceive anyone with weapons to be threats.

The grass-roots, nonpartisan Students for Concealed Carry on Campus defends students’ right to self-defense no matter the location. Founded by college students, professors, and university staff in the wake of the 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech, SCCC has grown to be a resounding voice in this debate.

[marktwain]

An incremental advance, but better than nothing.

[Wonder Warthog]

"In particular, the office of LSU’s Chancellor stated that the “flow of ideas” may be compromised if weapons were present in classrooms."

If the weapons are concealed, how would they know any were present?

"The idea that armed students could effectively thwart a gun-toting assailant was also challenged. In the event of a school shooting, “a permit doesn’t indicate that the carrier can properly assess the situation and take appropriate action."

Amateur "shooters" have been found to be less likely to make errors than police. Not because they are better trained, but because most personal "self-defense" situations are more "black and white" than those police encounter.

"Well-intentioned students may also inadvertently draw fire upon themselves from members of law enforcement who, in crisis situations, perceive anyone with weapons to be threats."

Certainly possible, but taking that risk should be THEIR choice, and not the legislators.

A good friend (a bridesmaid at my wedding) worked for LSU for many years, and had a .38 special in her purse every day. She took the adage "better to be judged by twelve than carried by six" to heart. The area immediately outside the gates of LSU is NOT safe, and although "spillover" onto the actual campus was relatively rare....it "did" happen.

[basil]

I think it’s a great start—Texas passed a similar law that is just waiting for governor good hair’s signature. I’d like to see this spread across the country!

[Stat-boy]

“Texas passed a similar law that is just waiting for governor good hair’s signature.”

Not yet. The language was added to SB 1581, passed in the Senate, amended and passed out of the House committee, and we hope will be passed by the House. Then, the Senate will have to agree to the House amendments to the bill. As usual, the poorly managed House left, in my opinion, way too many important bills to the last 2 weeks. It’s a crapshoot as to what will actually be passed. While I watch a number of important bills, I am prepared to be disappointed, again.

[basil]

Thanks for the clarification—although disappointing. I was going by what someone told me—guess I should have researched it a bit better..........

[basil]

Thanks for the clarification—although disappointing. I was going by what someone told me—guess I should have researched it a bit better..........

[Stat-boy]

You are very welcome.

One piece of good news: SB 14 [Voter ID] was passed out of the House yesterday. The Texas Legislature is now finished with it!