Pros & Cons of Campus Carry

Texas State Legislators recently passed a bill requiring state universities to implement policies allowing concealed carry of firearms on their campuses. Some viewed the decision positively as a defense of individual rights and deterrent to crime, while others expressed concerns that the decision will only increase danger and tarnish the learning environment. Here are some arguments for and against allowing concealed carry on the Texas A&M campus.

 

PROS OF CONCEALED CARRY:

 

• “…It’s better to be hurt by someone you know, accidentally, than by a stranger, on purpose.” – Dwight Schrute
• Don’t have to return underwear with built in gun holsters anymore.
• Can finally remind professors you might be currently armed while discussing grades without fearing repercussions.
• Everyone who buys a gun always knows proper upkeep for the weapon and how to operate it safely.
• Opens market for new tastefully colored handguns that will look great next to pepper spray canisters on everyone’s keychains.
• That punk from chemistry lab will definitely think twice before being a dick to you now.
• Can fulfill childhood dream of telling University Police you “already took care of it” by the time they rush to a crime scene.
• How else will Dave find the self-confidence that only comes from having a weapon on him at all times?
• Consistent reports from UPD on twitter of stolen bikes and computers have gotten mundane and boring; tweets could benefit from the excitement of a stolen gun.
• Faith in state politics restored knowing that this law was definitely passed to reflect the genuine interests of college students and not to make a political statement.

 

CONS OF CONCEALED CARRY:

 

• Years spent training in martial arts is now a waste
• Lost an essential barrier for keeping deranged shooters from being able to bring their guns with them onto campus.
• Exercising concealed carry off campus won’t be as special anymore.
• Will miss hearing the grumblings of conservatives about infringing on their 2nd Amendment rights.
• Potential shooters typically prefer targeting areas where the victims might be able to fight back.
• Bringing other weapons like knives on campus won’t have the shock value it once had.
• Would really rather not feel indebted to that jerk Scott if he ends up saving your life.
• Allowing self defense is pretty unnecessary considering law enforcement are well known for prompt response times. The shooter will probably only be halfway through his super villain speech when the cops show up and apprehend him before he can hurt anyone.
• Thrill of having to break the law when bringing guns to campus just won’t be the same anymore.
• Handguns just don’t look as good on key chains as pepper spray canisters.