Campus Carry Fear of victimization has led to a record number of applications for concealed carry permits. Many believe that if citizens can legally carry firearms, it will reduce victimization. For...

Campus Carry

Fear of victimization has led to a record number of applications for concealed carry permits. Many believe that if citizens can legally carry firearms, it will reduce victimization. For example, on March 13, 2016, a hatchet-wielding masked man entered a 7-Eleven store in a Seattle suburb around 5:45 a.m. and attacked the clerk. A customer in the store with a concealed carry permit was having his morning coffee. He shot and killed the attacker. The Sheriff’s Department credited him with saving the life of the clerk and perhaps others in the store. Acting on the belief that the more citizens with legal weapons the less crime, some states have extensively expanded the rights of citizens to carry a firearm and where they may carry weapons. The expansion includes the right of faculty, staff, and adult students to carry concealed weapons on college campuses. The arguments for allowing concealed weapons on college campuses is that a “gun free” zone provides an easy target for persons planning a mass shooting. Also, proponents of allowing weapons on campus argue that a concealed weapon would allow college women to defend themselves against sexual assaults. Polls estimate that college administrators and faculty strongly oppose legalizing weapons on campus and students are more receptive to the idea. About 15 states are debating enacting “campus carry” laws. What are the arguments for and against allowing guns on campuses? Which is the stronger case? Explain.