Sen. Michael O’Donnell, a Wichita Republican, supports permitting guns in college and university settings, according to the Associated Press.
O’Donnell hasn’t changed his mind, although he hedged a bit when members of the Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees higher ed, said they want the law changed.
The concealed-carry law took effect July 1. The new law permits anyone to walk about with a gun in his hip pocket or her purse without being vetted or trained in the nuances of the weapon and its possibilities.
Rep. Jim Ward, a Wichita Democrat, thinks guns on college campuses is a horrible idea.
Each legislator is pretty much in step with the philosophies of their political affiliations.
Proponents of more guns have argued that mass killings would be avoided if more people were armed so they could confront a perpetrator and stop him, apparently with a barrage of bullets.
Detractors fear innocents may be harmed in such a setting.
A second consideration by opponents is that in a time of crisis, clear thinking doesn’t always prevail.
If a hunter is stricken by buck fever — many are — what’s to stop the same, in an even more stressful situation, from happening when a human is involved?
With permitted carry, training is involved and those earning certification have to pass a test, including on a firing range. Permits also were limited to those 21 or older, which doesn’t ensure maturity but does make it a tad more likely.
But, with willy-nilly open carry, it appears Kansas is opening the door for a tragic event that might make some that have occurred pale in comparison.
— Bob Johnson
Open carry makes no sense in college setting
