On the news, crimes involving guns have become quite frequent. This turn has led many individuals to think they need a firearm to protect themselves from a catastrophe such as a mass shooting. This brings the questions to URI’s campus. Hypothetically speaking, how would campus life be if students were allowed to carry guns? Imagine, how would life here be different?
When asking a small group of four young male students, they immediately thought of “danger” and “it causing more tension and violence.” One mentioned how in the state of Rhode Island “you have to be 21 to carry a hand pistol,” and going on to say how many restrictions come with that alone as well as being under 21, as there are more regulations for carrying a gun. Even though these students believe in Second Amendment rights, they would have been completely opposed to the idea.
Many other students commented that they also believed it would be a horrible idea. One said they “worried about student suicide rates going up” and there is “not enough (mental) healthcare.” Also stating that it made them nervous, especially at the thought of people “hurting themselves” more than others. Some students even talked about an “accident occurring” possibly with a fire discharge or “something could escalate” such as an argument or fight. In addition, also they said was that “people would need to pass a (psychological) test” in order to carry a firearm.
A number of professors and teaching staff were very much on the fence about this as well. “A lot more polarized” was what one professor stated on how the campus might become. The campus would be more “divisive between gun supporters and non-gun supporters.” Another faculty member said it would be “pretty crazy, like being transported to the South.” In this case, that statement is true. as many citizens in southern states have easier access to guns.
During a sit-down meeting with Major Michael Jagoda, a URI police executive officer, believed arming students would not be a good idea.
“I would not be supportive of students having guns on campus,” he said. “URI is a safe, creative campus.”
“Police are trained to have guns,” Jagoda said. “Civilian training (for firearms) is a world of difference between what the police have.”
He then went to discuss how officers are screened and made sure they are able to perform in all different kinds of circumstances-under stress, crowds of people and the ability to handle a gun properly whether day or night.
In attendance at the meeting also was Dave Lavallee, associate director of communications. He also felt the same as Major Jagoda did, that there is no need for students to have guns. Lavallee brought up the issue of guns being used in a smaller space, with a lot of people, mentioning it’s not the same as being in “rural areas where it’s more spread apart.”
The topic of mental health issues and substance abuse were also discussed. Lavallee and Jagoda both said how this a major factor among young college-aged people. Jagoda said “suicides have increased. Doctors in the emergency room are seeing more suicides by guns,” and went to say they are often used because “they are so lethal.”
Lavallee went on to say how harmful the effects of suicide are, “it not only affects the person
Major Jagoda also said that even if someone legally had the permit for a gun, carrying it on university property is not allowed.
“It’s like going to an arena or stadium, you can’t bring guns in places like that, so it’s the same thing here,” Jagoda said. “Many who believe it is their right to carry a gun if they legally obtain it, but it cannot be in a public building.”
He believed that those who acquire guns should have “background checks” as well “registering” them. Unfortunately, even those pass still could have issues later on. A person’s mental health at the time of shooting changes everything. He stated how many of the “shootings that have occurred in the country the last few years were committed by people who had their weapons legally.”
Lastly, an important point that was brought up, was that of the Red Flag Legislation. This is a gun control bill that heavily regulates the use of firearms. In Connecticut last year, suicides rates have gone down by 14 percent
“The only ones who can are active law enforcement, and some provisions for retired officers,” said Jagoda.