The Idaho Legislature is considering a proposed law to allow the concealed carry of firearms on campuses throughout the state. The State Board of Education, Interim President Don Burnett and the University of Idaho Faculty Senate have expressed opposition to the bill and have made a coordinated appeal for continued local control.
What do they mean by local control? Currently, the very people who object to this new law determine university policy on firearms. Appointed officials, like the Board of Education and the Interim President, are not our representatives. When the State Board of Education, Interim President Don Burnett and the UI Faculty Senate say the proposed law will undermine local control, they are really saying it will undermine their control.
Critics claim limited rigorous empirical research does not show firearms make colleges safer. If this is true, research also does not demonstrate banning firearms on campus enhances safety. The reality is that shootings are carried out on campuses — despite policy banning firearms.
Those who oppose the proposed law claim that lawfully concealed firearms on campus may complicate a crisis situation for law enforcement. Lawfully carried firearms do not somehow become a greater risk once they are brought on campus. If properly trained law enforcement is capable of handling legally concealed firearms in off-campus situations, they can surely apply the same training on campus.
Some have expressed concerns about a potentially dangerous mix of alcohol and firearms. Per Idaho Code 18-3302B, it is illegal to carry a concealed firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If university policies can protect students from the scourge of drunken gunslingers, why can’t Idaho law?
Critics say that concealed firearms on campus will disrupt student learning. Hundreds of lawfully concealed firearms carried in Latah County go unnoticed. These firearms are just as undetectable on campus. How can a student be disrupted by what they do not know is present?
Current university policy will not prevent a criminal from using a gun on campus. It does, however, create victims and denies law-abiding citizens their fundamental human right to self-defense that is protected in by the Second Amendment of our Constitution. Many veterans have died to secure this right and it should not be infringed upon.
–Jeff Ford
Retired U.S. Air Force Captain