According to a recent article on the Flint Journal a newly formed school club is looking to empower students with the right to carry firearms.
(See the article here)
Michigan law prohibits the carrying of guns in both dorm rooms or classrooms under a law that many would like to see changed. Kettering University in Flint Michigan however has extended the prohibition of Firearms to the entire campus.
On Aug 1st the Kettering Students for Concealed Carry (KSCC) became an official university club with the goal of opening a dialog to allow concealed carry on campus by state licensed CPL holders. “We believe that while college campuses are usually safer than other public places, we still think that anything can happen,” said Kaity Huff, KSCC vice president. “Calling this a gun-free space won’t stop a crazy person.”
While students have been trying to get this issue looked into since 2011 the forming of an official school club will help to get this serious issue the attention it deserves.
Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, who is a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns which aims to prevent gun violence, said he agreed with the current university policy of prohibiting firearms. Based on the high level of crime found in Flint ranking it as currently the the most dangerous cities in the country, it is clear Mayor Walling is on the wrong side of this issue.
KSCC is affiliated with the national http://concealedcampus.org/ Students for Concealed Carry which is founded and supported by 43,000 members comprised of students, professors, staff and citizens who strive to empower licensed pistol holders the same rights on campus as they have off campus.
It is encouraging to see the following from Betsy Homsher the VP of student life and Dean of students. “As part of the college experience, Kettering University encourages all of its students to engage in causes and issues that they are passionate about. As an institution, we are always open to hearing feedback from students and we take those concerns seriously.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the group plans an Empty Holster Protest, where members will walk around campus wearing empty holsters, while talking about club’s position. “It demonstrates that when are around this campus, we are defenseless,” said Keys, 22, of Northville.
All of this is summed up nicely here: “Why should you feel any different on a college campus than in public?” asked Blaise Friery, a member of the KSCC.
If the safety of our children is our top concern then there is no doubt providing the legal means for trained and law abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms is the fastest and best response. We send 18 year olds off to war in foreign countries to fight and die for the protection of our ideals and way of life. To limit these same individuals rights and ability to protect here at home is a disservice to both them and us as a nation. Now is the time to push forward on pro 2nd Amendment legislation that will place the power of self protection back in the hands of the American people as our founding fathers intended.
