A University of Texas advisory committee today recommended allowing handguns in classrooms and buildings throughout the university system, pursuant to a law effective next August 1. University of Texas Chancellor William McRaven -- a retired Navy admiral who led the U.S. Special Operations Command and organized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden -- says the law will jeopardize student safety. But Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott says the law will prevent mass shootings, because someone with a concealed weapon would be on campus ready to confront any potential gunman.
Eight states now have provisions allowing carrying concealed weapons on public university campuses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The odds that a deranged shooter at a university will be deterred or killed by a student with a handgun are far smaller than are the odds that innocent students will be killed accidentally (or in drunken brawls) by other students with handguns. Universities are supposed to be places where unpopular opinions or ideas can be voiced without fear of reprisal. Allowing handguns in classrooms and university buildings isn’t just antithetical to this goal, but it’s dangerous.
Robert Reich
Eight states now have provisions allowing carrying concealed weapons on public university campuses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The odds that a deranged shooter at a university will be deterred or killed by a student with a handgun are far smaller than are the odds that innocent students will be killed accidentally (or in drunken brawls) by other students with handguns. Universities are supposed to be places where unpopular opinions or ideas can be voiced without fear of reprisal. Allowing handguns in classrooms and university buildings isn’t just antithetical to this goal, but it’s dangerous.
Robert Reich
