New gun law allows firearms on college campuses
Written by Emily Jones
Graphic by Ji Young Kim
Last month, Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill into legislation that beginning July 1 will grant leniencies for people permitted to carry concealed weapons. The law will allow authorized officials to bear arms on school grounds, including elementary campuses, secondary colleges, vocational schools and both private and public universities.
“This legislation will protect the constitutional rights of Georgians who have gone through a background check to legally obtain a Georgia Weapons Carry License,” a written statement from Deal’s office said. “This law gives added protections to those who have played by the rules – and who can protect themselves and others from those who don’t play by the rules.”
The law, commonly referred to as the “guns everywhere” law, has seen frequent criticism in the news for what some say is its potential to cause more violence by encouraging more guns. Others argue that it will create a safer environment.
“For the most part, I think it could increase safety for Georgia citizens because of the background checks that are required to get a carry and conceal permit. You have to have that permit to carry on those premises,” said Hannah Rozier, criminal justice major at Mercer University and intern at the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.
“Some of the public schools are not in the safest places of Georgia,” said Rozier. “I would feel a little more comfortable if the law enforcement officials were allowed to carry [weapons] on campuses.”
Allowing the police department to do so could protect students from the potential danger of break-ins in school zones.
“As far as middle and high school age students went, none of them are old enough to apply for a permit,” said Rozier. “Students bringing guns to school will still be considered a felony.”
English literature student Ali Martin at the University of West Georgia, a public university, supports the permission of weapons on campus.
“Honestly, I support it. If you’ve got teachers that can carry guns, students will be better protected, in my opinion,” said Martin. “In order to get the concealed carry license, you have to take a class on how to properly handle a gun.”
The law continues by providing those with revoked licenses the ability to reapply after three years.
“I feel like this could hurt,” said Rozier. “It depends on why their license was revoked. If they’re a felon or have severe mental issues, I don’t think they should ever be able to get it back.”
The law will be implemented at the start of July and it will be determined individually by schools and districts whether firearms will be permitted on their campuses.
