EDITORIAL: Campus carry demands more study

Which makes it all the more quizzical that the Georgia General Assembly seems determined to legalize the carrying of guns on college campuses at a pace that rivals the supersonic speed of a 9mm bullet.

Even more worrisome, given the Legislature’s intense love for sweeping government’s hard decisions far away from the State House and back down to the people, is why lawmakers seem tone-deaf to the advice of those closest to this issue. The administrators charged with maintaining safe environments for living and learning at Georgia’s colleges and universities are having the toughest of times being heard – or understood — on campus carry. Willfully overlooking their insights could have serious, even fatal, consequences for Georgia and its brightest youth.

We’re certain that ginning up election-year drama and campaign talking points explains much of this situation. Pushing along House Bill 859 will play well in many polling places in this fear-filled age.

Lawmakers should nevertheless behave in at least as serious and cautious a manner as the hormone-driven 21-year-olds whom many lawmakers believe are mature enough to tote concealed handguns across campus.

Before stepping further into this skirmish, we’ll note once more that, yes, the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment certainly grants Americans the right to bear arms. The U.S. Supreme Court in recent years has reinforced that right. Gun ownership – and concealed carry – are here to stay. We get that.

It shouldn’t be overlooked, though, that none other than the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia made clear in 2008’s landmark District of Columbia vs. Heller decision that the right to carry guns is not absolute. “Like most rights, the right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited,” Scalia wrote in the majority opinion. The high court added that “the carrying of firearms in sensitive places” such as schools was indeed subject to regulation.

That should not be ignored, even as lawmakers attempt to shush college officials who’ve spent their careers molding young people. Earlier this year, legislators all but forced Georgia Tech President Bud Peterson to wear a dunce cap as they conducted an inquiry into the university’s handling of student misconduct complaints. A chief legislative inquisitor warned that colleges not toeing the Gold Dome’s line would be subject to financial punishment when budgets were set.

Given that threat, it’s no surprise that the University System of Georgia has been publicly low-key on campus carry, saying only that they support current law. The Technical College System of Georgia won’t even comment.

Lawmakers should nonetheless seek out, absorb and honestly consider the insights of university leaders. They’re in a sound position to know the risks – or possible benefits – of legalizing guns on much of campus.

As they deliberate, legislators should also glance at their driver licenses and ponder the state’s interest in imposing reasonable qualifications in exchange for the right to legally operate vehicles. Obtaining a license requires passing an exam and a vision test. Licensing an auto likewise requires owners to show proof of liability insurance. For its part, the state is diligent in continually assessing whether such insurance remains in force over time – and acting when lapses occur.

Yet, there’s no cry for easing requirements to drive. Too-lax regulation would cost lives, and lawmakers know that.

By contrast, obtaining a Georgia Weapons Carry license demands only the payment of a fee and a one-time background check. No proof, or testing, of minimal marksmanship proficiency or ability to safely handle firearms is needed.

When it comes to trusting young adults with deadly weapons at the state’s colleges and universities, lawmakers should give much more honest thought to whether their pending legislation – and existing laissez-faire concealed-carry requirements – are sufficient for 21st century Georgia.