This week, we asked readers: Do you support a Republican bill that would allow students to openly carry firearms on campus?
Here’s what they had to say…
“As a retired Infantry officer, I have extensive experience with both firearms and young people. My background includes serving as a Basic Combat Training company commander, a Professor of Military Science in an Army ROTC program, countless hours of weapons training and refresher instruction, and two years in Vietnam applying that training in combat. Nothing in my experience suggests that the risk–reward ratio of allowing college students to carry firearms is acceptable. Arguments for unrestricted weapon carry often begin with the claim that it is a constitutional right. However, when the Constitution was written, “arms” referred to swords and muskets—not modern, high-powered, multi-shot firearms. The framers also tied that right to the need for a “well-regulated militia.” Another common argument is that carrying a firearm enables individuals to protect themselves. In my view, it stretches logic to assume that an inexperienced, untrained person can effectively use a firearm in self-defense without creating a significant risk to innocent bystanders. And the idea that widespread carrying of weapons will somehow make everyone safer raises serious questions—are we expecting something akin to the OK Corral? From an administrative standpoint, the Army treats firearms with strict control. Weapons used in training and non-combat duties are secured under double lock and key, with access tightly regulated and overseen. Ammunition is stored separately, also with limited access. These policies are designed to prevent theft and misuse. Most junior soldiers are similar in age and development to college students, but they are trained and conditioned to respect the power of modern firearms. Even so, they are not permitted to carry weapons except in the line of duty.” — Mike E.
“No, schools should be places of learning, and open debate about issues of the day. If security is required it can be handled by a trained workforce.” — JoAnn Carlson
“Just when you think you heard it all, the NH Legislature approves of college students being allowed to carry firearms on campus. Seriously? The most volatile, hormone-raging, indecisive, emotionally-charged population carrying firearms on a college campus is a disaster waiting to happen. It is only a matter of time before the headlines report a tragedy on campus. Congratulations lawmakers, NH joins the mass killing statistics group! —
Kay Campbell
“I teach on a campus and this legislation is both terrifying and malicious. Do the lawmakers actually want a mass shooting on a NH campus? Don’t they know that nearly 40% of US college students say they are depressed? While this bill definitely increases the risk of shootings, we’re mainly likely to see many more suicides on campus.” — Allison Cummings
“Completely absurd, as made clear by all empirical evidence in the US and around the world!” — Bill Black
“Hell no!! This is insanity. What is wrong with these people?” — Tim Kelly
“Absolutely NOT! MORE guns means more chances of violence and injury, especially with ADOLESCENTS! Yikes—no brainer.” — Stephanie Bottcher
“Why would any sane person want to introduce weapons into our schools? Why not allow samurai swords, K-bar knives?” — Bob Newport
“Allowing students to carry firearms on college campuses can reduce the risk of a mass shooter entering a college campus because they would have no idea who is carrying, whereas now most college campuses are a soft target. Any shooter knows that no one is carrying a firearm so they would have no fear. In reality, guns save lives. The presence of a firearm has stopped many situations that would have been deadly or more deadly. These situations are not often reported. I know this seems counterintuitive to some.” — Margareta Buczala
“I am totally against firearms on campus! This is a complete waste of our legislators’ time! They seem to be making laws just to make laws. With all the problems with mass shootings, etc. allowing young people on a college campus, potentially more apt to be drinking or making ill-conceived decisions, to carry weapons is an irresponsible decision on the Legislature’s part. This will not improve safety of our college students.” — Jane Sodders, Amherst
“We have seen so many school shootings that I’m amazed the question has even come up!” — Mary Sampson
“That makes so much sense. Let’s let teenagers who are away from home for the first time have guns. On campus. What could go wrong?” — Joyce Hurd
“Are they seriously trying to help declining enrollment! The NH I knew and loved is no longer. Firearms at colleges and universities will only enhance and augment violence on campus. Perhaps it is a moot question if the whole University of New Hampshire system closes its doors from lack of funding, lack of interest, and lack of job placement after degree completion. Keene seems to be the one to link jobs to educational degree but more so as their enrollment dropped from 5,000 to 2,800. NH needs to replace the Legislature from non libertarians/free staters to Democrats.” — Candace Morrison
“No! There are too many guns out and around as it is, and if we allow students to openly carry, school shootings will greatly increase.” — David Masters
“We absolutely should NOT allow guns at any school ever – have our lawmakers totally lost their minds?!” — Carol Staugaard
