Packing more than bookbags

Despite opposition from Georgia’s college leaders, Campus Carry is now state law.

“Campus Carry” is now the law of Georgia’s land, signed into being by onetime-opponent Gov. Nathan Deal.

In approving House Bill 280, Deal concurred with the Georgia General Assembly in enacting a measure opposed by both the University System of Georgia’s chancellor and campus law enforcement officials.

HB280 also clashed with sentiments expressed by Georgia voters during a January poll by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That bipartisan poll of 840 people statewide found that 54 percent of those surveyed would oppose attempts to again pass a college gun bill. Similar numbers were seen among both college graduates and those without that credential.

And USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley offered this wise counsel to lawmakers during a February legislative hearing: “With respect to campus carry, we feel strongly that current law strikes the right balance to create a safe environment on our campuses. This position is supported by our presidents and campus public safety departments who are closest to the day-to-day realities and operations of the state’s public colleges and universities. We therefore respectfully oppose any change to current law.”

None of that stood against those determined to allow carrying of firearms on what Deal, just last year, contended was hallowed ground with a long tradition of being gun-free.

As we’ve noted before, the Second Amendment does codify the right to possess firearms. Recent court decisions have been pretty decisive on that point.

Yet, we can’t help but continue thinking that Deal, in vetoing public campus carry in 2016, had it right the first time. Especially in a state that requires zero training or practical qualification for Georgia Weapons Carry License holders.

As to be expected, viewpoints vary widely on this matter. We present a selection of opinions here today.