The Debate On Gun Control - 2134 Words

Guns Do Not Belong on Campus The debate on gun control has been an issue in the United States since the country began. The founding fathers of the nation considered the issue so important it was addressed in the second amendment to the Constitution which states, A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed (US Const. amend. II). Of course these words have been interpreted differently through the years. When I began working in campus law enforcement 15 years ago, a person found with a concealed firearm in their possession outside of their home could have been arrested. Many cities in Kansas also had laws prohibiting the transportation†¦show more content†¦The law defines adequate security measures as: â€Å"†¦the use of electronic equipment and personnel at public entrances to detect and restrict the carrying of any weapons into the state or municipal building, including, but not limited to, metal detectors, metal detector wands or any other equipment used for similar purposes to ensure that weapons are not permitted to be carried into such building by members of the public. Adequate security measures for storing and securing lawfully carried weapons, including, but not limited to, the use of gun lockers or other similar storage options may be provided at public entrances† (K.S.A.75-7c20L) As the law is written right now the four-year exemption will expire in July of 2017 at which time universities will no longer be able to restrict concealed carry of firearms on their campuses. Although there are no signs the Kansas legislature is going to change course, there are some very compelling reasons why they should. In the United States the leading cause of death amongst people of college age (15-24 years old) is accidents, followed by suicide and homicide (Centers for Disease Control). Data shows that for Americans under the age of 30 years old these three categories account for 79% of all deaths, with chronic and infectious disease accounting for only 21% of deaths (Mcintosh). These statistics highlight the propensity for risky behavior amongst people of college age. As a married 40-year-old man, after