Thanks to a simple prod from a friend who is a teacher, I decided to send this letter to my Texas state reps, Rep. Myra Crownover and Sen. Jane Nelson. You should do the same in your own way.....
I am writing you today to speak out against allowing concealed handguns on college campuses in Texas. Bills such as HB 86, HB 750, and SB 354 have the intention of providing for a safe school environment, but in fact it they have the opposite effect.
In speaking with friends who are teachers in community colleges, and professors at state universities, they are fearful. They are not afraid of the lone gunman who has mental issues. They are fearful knowing they will have to teach in an environment that allows for anyone to conceal a weapon.
We should ask ourselves, “where did it go wrong?” When did we evolve from a mindset that prevented weapons from being brought onto campuses to a mindset that will allow anyone to toss their handgun of choice into their book bag?
I admit I did not attend school in Texas, but I certainly attended school in real world modern situations. My high school in the rural suburb of McLeansville North Carolina banned the use of book bags because of a problem with concealed weapons on campus. Our principal made that decision to keep weapons out, not allowing more weapons onto school grounds. When I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concealed firearms were not allowed. Our Chancellor made that decision to keep weapons out, not allowing more weapons on campus. I also happen to be the victim of armed robbery in Raleigh, although not on a campus. I can assure you in that situation, a concealed weapon would not have helped.
Providing students, faculty, and staff a safe environment, without worry of someone in the classroom carrying a 9mm or larger caliber firearm of choice around with them, should be the goal of higher education. Providing proper funding for campus police, buddy systems, and mental health clinics should be the goal of the 82nd Legislature.
