Any discussion over gun control laws is bound to be divisive. But here in South Carolina — a state that’s unfortunately ranked No. 6 in the nation for gun violence — we’re worried that proposed legislation in our Statehouse could cause more harm than good.
Some of the new bills proposed by our lawmakers will expand and limit current gun rights in our state. Some of them are no-brainers, like preventing those who are deemed mentally ill from purchasing firearms, that we all can support. But others, like a bill that would ultimately allow anyone to carry firearms anywhere they choose for their protection — with or without a concealed weapons permit — give us cause for alarm.
CWP’s are only granted to those above 21, who have taken a firearm safety course. Even then, they aren’t allowed to carry their firearms into certain areas, such as Â鶹Сòòò½´«Ã½â€™s open campus that’s been witness to too many violent incidents and crimes.
As students, we understand and share the fears and all-too-apparent dangers our fellow Gamecocks face on a daily basis. We all need to be diligent in ensuring our safety, but we don’t feel that students carrying guns on campus will necessarily make us any safer.
Maintaining a gun is a great responsibility and possessing one may lull some into a false sense of security. It’s definitely not something we believe should be in our residence halls or classrooms.
Legislation that simply allows anyone to have a gun no matter where they are isn’t the safer or saner choice. When reforming our state’s present gun laws, we should strengthen what we currently have, not water them down.