A&M Allows Concealed Carry of Test Answers

Texas A&M will now permit students to use notes, cheat sheets, textbooks or any other form of assistance during tests. The new rule, which took effect on January 1,  is in accordance with a Texas Senate bill that requires universities to allow students to carry test answers with them anywhere on campus.

Daryl Jutridge, a long-time supporter of concealed answer carry, claimed the bill is a step in the right direction.

“It is about time the state allowed us to exercise our personal freedoms,” Daryl said. “This bill will only change things for the better. People who don’t support the bill will not even notice because test answers have to be concealed. No one will know who has them.”

The widespread availability of test answers has been a highly debated subject in recent years. Multiple instances of school cheatings have prompted some people to demand that the use of test answers be further restricted, or at least that a pre-test background check be administered to see if students have a history of academic or professional dishonesty.

Samuel Blaird, a state senator and sponsor of the concealed answer carry bill, defended the bill by saying it levels the playing field.

“People who want to cheat on tests aren’t going to let rules stop them,” Blaird said, “They will find a way to get around the rules. If we make cheating illegal then only criminals get to cheat. That is not fair to the honest students. If the rules don’t work, then why have them?”

Jamie Connors, a supporter of test control, said the bill will only make matters worse.

“We can’t just give out test answers to everyone and assume they are qualified.” Connors said. “Not everyone will be responsible with that power. Making powerful things widely available will not make them less powerful.”

 

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