From 2010 to 2014, students experienced an almost doubling in violent crimes on campus. We are experiencing a dramatic increase in violent crimes against Georgia’s students as criminals prey upon our students because they are defenseless. Providing a safe environment for all Georgians is at the heart of the Campus Safety Act, or HB 859. This bill gives those Georgians who have a Georgia Weapons Carry License (GWCL) the choice to carry their handgun concealed on a public college or university campus and defend themselves against these criminals.
First, let us consider the person that would be allowed to carry on the campuses of Georgia’s public colleges and universities under this measure. To obtain a GWCL license, this individual is over 21 years old, has been fingerprinted, passed a background check in both State and Federal databases and has been reviewed by the Probate Court Judge in the county in which they reside. These individuals will not threaten the system, as they have already proven they are willing to go through the proper legal route to obtain the license.
The claims that this bill will lead to an increase in higher education expenses are unfounded. No new screenings are needed for Georgians who have a GWCL. These are not the people who need to be screened, as they use their weapons responsibly. However, the criminal in our society does not care what lawmakers under the Gold Dome say or what a sign posted on a building says. They are in gun-free zones to prey on defenseless victims. Screening individuals entering a building will not stop criminals from preying on our neighbors throughout the campus.
This bill is also about choice. It’s empowering the men and women of Georgia with the right and the choice to defend and protect themselves. We in the legislature recognize that individuals are the best people to decide for themselves. As the current law dictates, even if individual students would step in and take responsibility for their own safety, they are disarmed by the overreach of our public colleges and universities.
Knowing that when you walk amongst society today there are 750,000 Georgians who carry their weapons throughout the state each day by having the GWCL, and you do not hear about these people breaking the law. Again, it just doesn’t happen. The scare tactics of some opposing this measure are not born out of fact. Look to Colorado, where Campus Carry has been legal since 2003. There was one incident by an employee in 13 years — hardly the Wild, Wild West that is pictured by some. How many in Colorado were enabled by being able to defend themselves and not become victims is a number we will never know. Georgians who have a GWCL are responsible neighbors, businesspeople, women, single moms, students, and veterans, and this measure will prevent them from being helpless victims.
Amid all the misinformation and emotion surrounding HB 859, one must remember that this bill is not about irresponsibly arming students; this bill is about safety and responsibility. Georgians have, and deserve, the right to defend themselves, and this bill seeks to protect that right.
About the Author
