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April 2018: How is Gun Control on the National Level? 

There is a public outcry for gun control in response to several fatalities that have occurred on a national scale just at the hands of gun violence. Gun violence has been a growing issue for decades and has cost the lives of many. No matter whose hands pull the trigger, gun violence has created an uproar and it is known as a new epidemic in America. Every social media outlet and news program has broadcasted this proclaimed epidemic. The most relevant, recent mass shooting occurred at Stonemason Douglas High School in February of this year--although it is an unfortunate event, the harsh reality is that the shooting could have occurred on any campus. 

"Our job is to provide an environment conducive to the academic process."  

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- Kevin Morris, Director of Public Safety Services, Chief of Police

Source: BBC

How Does the Problem Relate to SHSU?

Although there has never been a mass shooting, active shooter or threat on Sam Houston State University's campus, it does not mean that it cannot happen. What are some precautions (protocols) the university has in place to protect students and faculty? What is SHSU's current gun policy? What should we do in the event of an active shooter on campus? How does crime related to gun violence in the city of Huntsville affects the campus? 

Find the answers below...

Based on questions regarding nation's laws or policies on guns.

On August 1, 2016, Sam Houston State University passed Campus Carry in addition to other Texas institutions (observed under the Texas Senate Bill 11). Although, students, faculty, and staff had and may still have mixed emotions regarding the new campus carry policy, the concerns and praises have died down since its developments. Although it is an opportunity of concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to have their concealed (and loaded) weapons in classes and dorm halls, there are prohibited areas in which they cannot take their concealed carry.

Prohibited concealed carry locations (PCCLS) include athletic events, government meetings, on campus Powell Health and Counseling Center, and more. The PCCLS policy may be good for those who may be oppose to concealed carry on campus. We asked current students and officials how did they feel about campus carry and gun control (overall) now? *See audio clips*

Guns Come at a Price

Source: BBC

Gun Laws through the Eyes of Authority

Views on gun control will continue to change. Personal opinions and work opinions may change based on current social and cultural trends. Other factors on gun violence can be based on a location or how people are mentally, emotionally, and physically. Guns are getting in the hands of Individuals are not mature or mentally/emotionally unstable. 

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When people hear about the weapons that are used in mass shootings, they are weapons that can fire quickly, such as Tec-9’s or AR15’s. Should people have a gun to defend themselves? Yes, but some people are not using their weapon(s) responsibly and do not need weapons similarly used in the military. Automatic weapons are too readily available to purchasers—those who have experience in law enforcement say that gun laws are not truly enforced. Some people believe that Texas, for example, has more lax laws on how to obtain a CHL compared to other states.

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WHY IS THAT, HERE IS A GUESS: All 50 states/territories operate differently. There is no national police force or cookie-cutter way to facilitate and govern states as a whole. Every law is mandated on the local level. If people want to see a change in their community, they should address serious issues. At some point, people need to figure out where the divide is culturally and to take care of one another.  

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Sometimes the officer may not know who the ‘good’ or ‘bad’ guy is when approaching a threat. An officer has to make a decision in a split second. It is necessary for the community, including students, to contact authorities if they believe there is a threat. 

Possibilities of Gun Control

Interviewed graduate students Amanda Robinson and Catherine Tran shared some views that some SHSU students and faculty may feel on gun control  Both students agreed that there are reckless use of guns, especially in individuals who are not police officers or are not in the military. 

Both students agreed that their should be more vigorous background checks including psychological testing and analysis of past abusive or violent behaviors of a gun owner's past. Guns cannot just bring harm others, but gun owners can afflict personal harm to themselves.

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DISCUSSION: After conducting interviews, all of the interviewees have agreed that they are not opposed to other views regarding gun control. Nothing is wrong with having an opinion. People should not be afraid to discuss and have a debate about gun control. Understanding both sides of the spectrum will also help reach a resolution.

When considering considering future gun control amendments, the community involvement is valuable. People should be willing to listen to both sides of the debate of stricter or more lax laws regarding gun control. A few options such as research of gun purchases and owners, survey participation, community meetings and forums can help people find their voices to affect and possibly change gun control policy at SHSU and the Huntsville community. 

People are hurting the mass before hurting themselves. It's not the tools doing harm, it is the individual. 

The most dangerous guns are the most accessible and are being placed in the wrong hands. Those who are willing to be trained and evaluated (civilians and those in authority) should posses guns.

Shooter on Campus

Now that concealed carry is in effect, what should students and faculty do in the case that there is a shooter on campus? SHSU Kat Safe has created an online module or video to better prepare the campus in the event of an emergency. 

The Community Pushes Forward 

 

In the wake of Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School in Parkland, FL shooting (Feb. 2018), Walker Co. Democrats held a March for Our Lives event in March! 

Read more of the story on the Huntsville Item

“Debate is how you learn, how you move on. [It’s] How you make an informed choice.”

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Soraya Kawucha, SHSU CJ Adjunct Lecturer

Views on Gun Control - Amanda Robbinson
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Views on Firearms - Kevin Morris
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Types of Firearms - Soraya Kawucha
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Views on Gun Control - Catherine Tran
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Mya Walker, Coreyon Taylor, Brianna Jefferson, Brianna Padgett
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