Introduction
The ban on concealed handguns on university campuses has several proponents and opponents who have justified points. It is understandable why the issue divides our society, as both sides make sense out of their arguments and provide relatable points to maintain the ban or legitimizing concealed handguns. On the basis of the information provided in the article and the video, it makes sense to legalize as it might protect many from mass shootings such as Virginia Tech and can help in deterring crime. But, maintaining the ban seems the logical choice as it is possible that concealed handguns can create a negative environment at the college campuses (Bouffard, Nobles, Wells, and Cavanaugh 316). On the basis of information provided in the class, I would say that it fairly justifies how even the most experienced gun users fail to control guns in desperate times (ABC).
Personal Reaction
I personally found the video very educational as it made me realize that even if the ban is lifted there is no guarantee that accidents or attacks can be stopped. The video also made me realize that carrying a concealed gun and actually using it is a different matter. It is very complicated to bring out the concealed gun out of the holster in case of a sudden attack. Also, it is possible that some students can get hurt as shown in the video of a police officer with years of training mistakenly shooting himself, while displaying the proper use of guns to school students. This taught me that it is wise to that the current ban on concealed handguns is maintained in college campuses as it students carrying guns can lead to a highly risky situation. Overall, the video was very education and descriptive, as it made me realize that the reasoning behind the ban on concealed guns on campuses.
The article provided a valid critique on the issue of allowing concealed guns to college campuses. It made me understand that there are some valid points when it comes to lifting the ban. There are possibilities that some students might be able to prevent the many murders in the next campus shooting, which seems inevitable with the current record. I also learned that several states in our country have made changes to the concealed handgun laws, as support for strengthening gun control laws is declining in the country. My understanding from the article is that if such a law is passed, few college students would surely acquire the CHL (concealed handgun license), which can be a recipe for disaster. Already there is a growing concern with the college shootings in the American society and by allowing students to carry concealed handguns would only increase the accidents. The article does provide an effective analysis of the situation, but there is a bias of sampling a limited number of classes and it is possible that the opinion can completely different in other states.
Conclusion
The issue of concealed handgun in university campus has been widely discussed in the past few years with the increasing number of shootings that it can deter. But, there is a reason for the ban on carrying guns into classrooms and allowing students would only increase the number of shooting accidents. The video and the article justify that it is possible that the number of accidents might increase and carrying concealed guns might not even protect from shooting incidents. Overall, it seems wise to have such a rule and it is important, it is maintained as it is working as a shield from students willing and ready to get their CHL.
Works Cited
Bouffard, Jeffrey A., Matt R. Nobles, William Wells, and Michael R. Cavanaugh. "How Many More Guns?: Estimating the Effect of Allowing Licensed Concealed Handguns on a College Campus." Journal of Interpersonal Violence 27.2 (2011): 316-343. Print.
