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John,
The vast majority of the over 4,400 colleges and universities in the U.S. prohibit students, faculty, and visitors from carrying concealed handguns on campus, and on-campus homicide rates are lower than in the general population.
According to U.S. Department of Education and FBI statistics, in 2013 there were 0.1 homicide deaths per 100,000 on campus, vs 4.4 homicide deaths per 100,000 in the U.S. population at large.
Yet, over the last ten years, claiming “campus safety” concerns, the pro-gun lobby has been aggressively pushing for legislation in multiple states that would prohibit colleges and universities from regulating guns on campus.
We must stop this proliferation of guns from spreading further into college and university campuses, against the will of faculty and students. Sign the petition now to keep our institutions of higher education free from being forced to allow “Campus Carry.”
“Campus Carry” laws already require colleges and universities to permit students and faculty to carry concealed handguns in 11 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin), with an additional 22 states leaving gun regulations up to the institutions.
Over the last several years, bills have been introduced in nearly 40 states across the country that would change state laws to allow anyone with a concealed weapon permit to carry loaded, concealed guns on college campuses.
Today, bills to require Campus Carry are under consideration in 7 states (Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, and West Virginia) with bills to expand the practice in 4 more (Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Tennessee).
These proposed laws fly in the face of opposition by both students and faculty. A 2013 study at 15 Midwest colleges found that 94% of faculty and 78% of students opposed Concealed Carry on campus, with 79% of students saying they “would not feel safe” if it were allowed.
Campus police also oppose Campus Carry laws. In their 2008 statement, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) asserted, “There is no credible evidence to suggest that the presence of students carrying concealed weapons would reduce violence on our college campuses.”
And following the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, the Virginia Tech Review Panel Report specifically recommended “that guns be banned on campus grounds and in buildings.”
Suicide attempts too are significantly more lethal when firearms are involved. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college age young adults, with about 1,100 college students committing suicide per year, while another 24,000 attempt it. Whereas intentional overdoses are fatal only about 3% of the time, suicide attempts with firearms are over 90% fatal. Making firearms more available to college students will likely increase suicide fatalities.
We’re asking you to join us in supporting a national ban on Campus Carry to protect the lives of thousands of college students. Sign your name to demand action today!
Thank you for helping reduce the risks of gun violence on college and university campuses across the country.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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