The bill to allow concealed weapons at Michigans' colleges and universities

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On Friday, August 21, 2009, a representative of the Michigan Senate from the 17th District, Randy Richardville-R, introduced Senate Bill 747.  This bill that was introduced, seeks to allow students, faculty, and visitors who possess a concealed weapon permit to bring their weapon on college campuses.  Currently, a concealed weapon is not allowed in a dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university.  As the law reads today,  other locations in which a concealed weapon is forbidden at include:

• a school or school property, except by a parent or legal guardian who is dropping-off or picking-up a child and the pistol is kept in the vehicle.
• a public or private day care center.
• a child placing agency.
• a sports arena or stadium.
• a bar or tavern licensed to serve liquor.
• any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or place of worship, unless authorized by the presiding official.
• an entertainment facility seating more than 2,500 people.
• a hospital.
• a casino.
• or as otherwise prohibited by law.

Currently, violators who possess a concealed weapon at any of the above mentioned forbidden locations face varying punishment.  Generally, for one's first violation, the crime is classified as a state civil infraction, for the second violation, it's a 90 day misdemeanor, and for the third violation, it's a four year felony.

Rep. Randy Richardville-R was quoted as saying, "Crime occurs on college campuses just like in other places".  He went on to argue that individuals with the proper training and background checks to get a permit, should be allowed to carry guns for their protection while on campus.  In yet another instance, Rep. Richardville was quoted as saying, "Unfortunately, our nation has seen an increase in horrific shootings on college campuses in the last few years.  Those who receive the training and have been authorized to carry concealed weapons, should be allowed to protect themselves against this type of violence."

Like all bills, this bill has both support and opposition.  One of the supporters was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), who believed that the 2nd Amendment rights of law abiding gun owners should not be restricted.  An organization in opposition, include the Presidents Council who represents the presidents of Michigan public universities.  This organization believes that the measure to allow carrying concealed weapons on campus won't make it safer.

Could allowing concealed weapons on campus have helped at the time of the Virginia Tech shootings, or would it have made the situation worse?

Currently, one who seeks a concealed weapon permit in Michigan has to pass a comprehensive background check, pass the required written test, and complete at least eight hours of instruction, including three hours of firing range time before submitting their application to the county gun board.  Is eight hours of instruction (including three hours at the firing range) enough training for students, faculty, and visitors at a community college, college, or university to safely discharge a weapon without putting other individuals at risk?

Currently, Wayne State University is actively working to make their campus safe.  Some of the actions that they have taken include:

• high visibility of cadets.
• emergency phones throughout the campus (blue light).
• uniformed WSU police officer patrols.
• training of the WSU police officers with the Detroit Police Department for emergency responses and shootings in a building.
• security monitors for residents living on campus.
• providing an emergency text message notification system.
• and other ways and means.

Crime is random, and crime is everywhere.  I'm not sure that if we will allow concealed weapons at our community colleges, colleges, and universities it will actually reduce crime. 

For the record, Rep. Randy Richardville-R represents the 17th District.  The 17th District includes all of Monroe, Bridgewater Twp., Lodi Twp., Manchester Twp., part of Milan city, Pittsfield Twp.,Saline city, Saline Twp., and York Township in Washtenaw; and Grass Lake Twp., Leoni Twp., Norvel Twp., and Summit Twp., in Jackson.

To contact Rep. Richardville-R, call 517-373-3543.

For more information pertaining to Carrying A Concealed Weapon, please visit www.detroitccw.com/

For additional information pertaining to Carrying A Concealed Weapon, please visit www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1586_27094-10953--,00.html

So residents of opposition, don't worry.  It's still just a bill..................................on capital hill.