Lawmakers should not support guns on campuses

House Bill 1249 is dangerous and unnecessary. Mandating that concealed carry be allowed on college campuses, against the better judgment of campus security officials, administrators, staff and concerned parents, is a slap in the face from our representatives, who should listen to their constituents and those who would be affected by this bill. Both the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities have issued strong statements of opposition to allowing guns on college campuses.

Here in Arkansas there has been an outpouring of opposition to this bill, and I have to wonder why it even passed committee. Harvard researchers showed that gun-owning college students are more likely to engage in binge drinking and risky behaviors like driving under the influence. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine also showed that in homes where guns are present, individuals are somewhere between 40 and 170 percent more likely to die by homicide. Also, 62 percent of gun deaths are suicides.

Why would we want guns in dormitories? The argument that a private citizen could help contain an active shooter situation is an attractive one, but it is not realistic, nor is it condoned by law enforcement. It is much more likely that guns on campuses will increase gun-related injuries and death. I know I won’t send my child to a campus that allows guns. If you also think guns on college campuses are a bad idea, please call your representative to let your voice be heard: Vote no on HB 1249. STEPHANNIE BAKER Bentonville