Pros and Cons of Guns on College Campuses: An In-Depth Analysis
The presence of firearms on college campuses is a controversial topic, evoking a variety of opinions and scholarly analyses. This article delves into the pros and cons of permitting firearms on college grounds, drawing from historical data, student demographics, and criminal activities. Focusing on the context of a specific college, we will explore how firearms, illegal drug trade, and the presence of ex-offenders contribute to a complex campus safety landscape.
The Historical Context: Guns on Campus in the 1970s
During the 1970s, the presence of firearms on my campus was widely accepted, with hunting rifles and shotguns frequently found in dorm rooms and vehicles in student parking lots. Handguns were relatively uncommon. This did not lead to any notable incidents, a testament to the general respect for weapons and the mental health of students. Many of our students were combat veterans, including snipers, combat patrol leaders, and members of airborne and ranger units. Despite a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), instances of violence were rare compared to popular perceptions.
The Faculty's Background and Experience
The faculty during those years also included combat veterans who had experienced the Bataan Death March and the jungles of Vietnam. The head of the Science Department, for instance, spent World War II as a Navy Marksmanship Trainer. These experiences underscored the discipline and accountability related to handling firearms, a contrast to the simplistic assumptions often made by policymakers and the public.
The Current Campus Security Landscape
Fast-forward to the present, the campus security situation has changed significantly. Ex-offenders released with no prior notice to students represent a new and concerning element. For instance, one of my neighbors was plotting to murder the state's attorney general and his family. In recent years, there are over 3,600 ex-offenders in town, with more than a hundred registered sex offenders. This necessitates a thorough risk assessment beyond the scope of gun control discussions.
The Illicit Drug Trade and Its Impact
The illegal drug trade is a pervasive issue on campus, often overlooked by administrative staff. This illegal activity brings criminals to campus daily to meet their customers. Despite the fact that the majority of deadly violence in the United States is linked to the illegal drug trade, this risk factor is frequently ignored in current discussions on campus safety. It is often the proponents of campus gun control who are active users of such substances, particularly among liberal faculty.
The Argument Against Handgun Prohibition
Given the high prevalence of illegal drug activity, the argument for keeping people disarmed where criminals are present becomes illogical. Faculty members, with limited interactions and access to firearms due to a 12-hour weekly class schedule, often need to buy marijuana. This dependency highlights the stark reality that disarming faculty—many of whom are at higher risk due to their drug use—does not address the underlying issues but instead ignores them.
Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Freedom
The debate over guns on college campuses is complex and multifaceted. While the historical context from the 1970s and the current security landscape provide insights, the evolving dynamics of campus life necessitate a nuanced approach. Addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, reducing the prevalence of illegal drug activity, and developing comprehensive security measures are key steps toward enhancing campus safety while respecting individual rights.