Advantages And Disadvantages Of Concealed Weapons On Campus (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Subject DD MM YYYY Concealed Weapons on Campus Majority of Colleges and Universities strictly prohibit any concealed weapons on campus grounds. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of mass school shootings which has stirred the debate on whether or not students, teachers, and staff can carry concealed weapons in school. Supporters and detractors on allowing guns on school grounds have differing opinions that have been extensively discussed soliciting varied public opinion. The second amendment of the US constitution grants civilians the right to bear arms, but several Universities implemented measures and regulations that prevent licensed gun owners from entering school ground with a weapon. Due to the increase in cases mass school shootings that have resulted in significant loss of human life politicians who are pro-gun supporters have spearheaded changes in laws to allow students and university staff in particular states to carry a concealed weapon in school (Hope 4). Correspondingly, gun lobbying groups such as the NRA who adamantly oppose any gun control laws have come out in support of legislation that will permit licensed gun holders to carry concealed weapons in school. Supporters of this change use several factors to validate their opinions, firstly they point out that criminals are deterred from committing acts of crime if they come across a victim with a gun. Secondly, they assert that a person who is armed can defend themselves and scare away any attackers (Verrecchia and Hendrix 206). Additionally, some peer-reviewed studies published in the Journal of criminal law and criminology indicates that 55.5 percent of criminals desisted from committing illegal acts when a victim produced a firearm. Detractors of the proposal to have concealed weapons allowed on school grounds passionately oppose the change because they believe it will cause more harm than good. Furthermore, University lecturers and staff members have voiced their opinion on the matter pointing out that they feel safe in school grounds and having concealed weapons in school will not help in any way. American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) conducted a study that showed a majority of teachers 97 percent do not support concealed weapons in College grounds. Contrast to what supporters of guns in schools believe firearms are more likely to be used to cause harm than to provide security. Across history guns have been associated with acts of violence, therefore allowing concealed weapons in learning institutions will only increase the level of risk posed by an unstable person going on a mass shooting spree (Verrecchia and Hendrix 209). Furthermore, studies conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics show that states with laws that allow guns on colleges achieved the opposite of what they desired since there is an increase in criminal activities in those states compared to a decrease. Security for students, lecturers, and other members of staff in colleges is essential, but permitting guns in schools will not solve current issues of insecurity. Lawmakers and other stakeholders in Universities should conduct further consultations that will ensure more security measures are followed without increas...