When any restriction on the Second Amendment is proposed or discussed, gun proponents argue that the laws are taking away their guns and taking away their rights. However, every amendment comes with its restrictions in order to protect the majority. This includes the First Amendment, which allows free speech, press, assembly, petition and religion. Although we are given the right to free speech, we are not allowed to say whatever we want, wherever and whenever we want. We are not allowed to scream “fire” in a crowded room, because it can incite panic and cause harm to those around us. 

HB 2519 does not restrict guns, if passed, but grants certain individuals more access to carry concealed weapons in areas where the majority of citizens using that area oppose having guns. 

Republicans are the main proponents of the bill because of their stance on the Second Amendment. However, this bill contradicts their stated belief of giving lesser power to the government. Republicans, in most instances, want individual jurisdictions to create laws and regulations because those bodies typically have more knowledge and expertise in the area. This bill is allowing the state government to impose a law on a jurisdiction that does not want it. The Marshall University Board of Governors currently has control of gun restrictions on our campus, and Republicans supporting this bill are contradicting themselves in order to do what they want, not what the experts believe is right.

We do not question restrictions on firearms in other sensitive places. The West Virginia Capitol, courthouses and other governmental buildings restrict guns because of potential disputes that could take place. Guns are not allowed on planes because of past attacks and to prevent future ones. This common sense needs to also be applied to college campuses. The Marshall University Police Department has stated it does not support this bill because of the added risks it brings to campus. According to West Virginia law, those carrying concealed weapons are not required to inform police officers that they are carrying. This can endanger the officers, and others in the area, when a situation arises and multiple guns are out. 

If the bill passes, so much is left unknown. How will students be able to carry concealed weapons to class in certain buildings and, later in the day, not be able to carry the weapon into Corbly Hall, where there is a daycare, a restricted area according to the bill? This also makes it difficult to visit professors in their offices, when professors have the option to allow or not allow concealed weapons. How are professors or the MUPD supposed to enforce the professors’ rights to a gun-free office?

Colleges promote critical thinking within classrooms as a requirement to graduate. One way students are challenged in their thinking is to discuss and argue issues not everyone agrees on. These situations could cause some to become upset and pull a weapon. Individuals with concealed carry licenses are trained on how to handle guns but are not trained emotionally and psychologically to handle stressful and triggering situations. 

Residence halls would also become an issue. According to Rep. Caleb Hanna, one of the sponsors on the bill, the plan is to provide lockers in the common area of residence halls since individuals cannot carry them in their rooms. What is the point of bringing a gun to campus when you won’t be able to have it with you the entire time? Residents sneak illegal items into the residence halls all the time, including alcohol and drugs, but staff are not able to search rooms unless they are given cause to, such as smoke coming out of the room. This bill would increase the number of illegal weapons entering residence halls, which may not be the intent, but would be an unintended consequence because of students forgetting to store their weapon in the common area. 

This bill is not well-thought-out and would cost the state millions of dollars to enact. Marshall President Jerry Gilbert and Marshall faculty, staff, MUPD officers and students have all stated their opposition to the bill. Why are state representatives only listening to constituents who don’t even come to campus on a regular basis and to the sponsors supporting the bill? Every college and university has stated its opposition to the bill, and even the Chamber of Commerce has formally opposed the legislation due to its potential effect on enrollment, causing financial loss and damage to the state’s image. West Virginia’s legislators need to listen to the individuals whose lives are directly affected by the bill on a daily basis. 

If you oppose the bill, we urge you to not only call and write your representatives, but write the governor. If this bill passes, the governor still has the power to veto it. Write him a heartfelt letter telling him why this bill will cause more harm than good and show him how the majority of those directly affected by this bill are opposed to guns coming to campus. Gov. Jim Justice’s address is 208 Dwyer Lane, Lewisburg, West Virginia 24901.