 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Some students at George Mason University think guns should be allowed on college campuses and point to the Virginia Tech tragedy as a reason.
The gun advocates argue if college students could carry guns, some of the recent school shootings could have been prevented. However, a Virginia Tech father who lost his daughter last April whole-heartedly disagrees.
Guns are banned for anyone on the university's campus. "There are about 3 million visitors that come here so do we want that kind of activity where so many people are bringing weapons, even if they're licensed to do so," asked Dan Walsch with GMU.
The young gun advocates, who held a symposium, believe students along with faculty, who already have gun permits should be allowed to carry them into the classroom.
"We think it's safe when law abiding citizens can carry guns and not just people who are going to break the law," said Monica Block with College Republicans.
"Anybody carrying a gun can protect themselves a lot better than if they're not carrying a gun, especially when you have the gunman like at Virginia Tech," said junior Chris Klein.
Not everyone at the lecture agreed. "It doesn't stand to reason. It doesn't make sense," said Peter Read. His daughter, Mary, died in the Virginia Tech massacre. He doesn't think adding more guns is the solution.
"Probably a majority of students on the campus are not comfortable with the idea of having more guns in volatile situations."
Sophomore Maria Garces doesn't believe students should carry guns, but admits she would feel more protected if the faculty did. "Honestly, after the tech thing happened, it was scary and I think we would better be able to respond rather than having to wait for the police."
The group, which already lobbied in Richmond, claims keeping outsiders with registered guns away from campus is against the law. School officials say they have cooperation from the State's Attorney.
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.