To watch a video of students sharing their reactions to the gun bill, click here.
Students and University officials are firing their opinions left and right about House Bill 27 — a proposal that would allow the concealed carry of firearms on college campuses. The 2009 Legislative session kicked off Monday, and Chancellor Michael Martin is making his opinion heard. “I will — in any way I can — legally, morally, ethically, logistically, spiritually and metaphysically oppose the gun bill,” Martin said. “In my view, it is unquestionably bad for a campus.”Filed by Rep. Ernest Wooton, R-Belle Chasse, the bill is identical to one he submitted last year and, next to the budget, has been one of the most talked about issues at the University.The bill is designed to improve safety on college campuses for students and faculty with the credentials to carry concealed firearms, especially when faced with incidents like the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, Wooton said last year. Martin said he is worried about guns getting into the wrong hands if the bill is passed. “Let’s not arm a looney, or somebody who is temporarily looney … with someone who legally has the right to carry it, but may not have the capacity to hang on to it,” Martin said. Martin said if students feel the need to carry guns on campus, they have missed the point of a University. “We all want to embrace this as a place of peace and open discourse and collegiality and friendship,” Martin said. “Anyone who is paranoid enough to feel they have to carry a gun probably is missing the point and contributing to an environment we don’t want.”J.P. Gwaltney, president of the University chapter of Students for Concealed Carry, presented concealed carry information to the Student Government Senate during an April 1 meeting.To receive a concealed firearm permit, a 21-year-old must first pass a state and FBI background check, a training course and a shooting competency test administered by the Department of Public Safety, Gwaltney said.On April 15, the SG Senate voted to neither support or oppose the gun bill. “I do not have an opinion because [SG] do not have  a consensus,” said Stuart Watkins, SG president. “I encourage all students to voice their opinions to their state representatives.” Former SG President Colorado Robertson — then Senate speaker — cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the bill. Former SG President Cassie Alsfeld vetoed the resolution because the Senate’s vote was too close to be fully representative of student opinion. Many students support the bill. “I don’t see it getting passed [this year], but I’m very pro-gun and wouldn’t mind it in the least,” said Josh Dear, anthropology sophomore. Dear, 20, said his family contributes yearly to the National Riffle Association, and he plans to apply for a concealed-carry permit on his 21st birthday. Other students oppose the controversial piece of legislation. “It’s kind of terrifying,” said Sabrina Bauggue, nutritional science senior.Bauggue said while she understands the reasons behind the bill — like preventing massacres like the one at Virginia Tech — she doesn’t support it. “I just think that there [would be] so many more opportunities for something to go wrong,” Bauggue said. “It’s rare that you hear of something where a gun is used. I think if you increase the amount of people that are carrying them, you’ll increase the likelihood of an accidental shooting.” Martin said he looks forward to debating the bill with Wooton if he gets the chance. “I believe what the legislature and others ought to worry about are things that make this better. And that’s a debate I don’t see in any way makes this a better place,” Martin said.—-Contact Kyle Bove [email protected]