Nevada Campus Carry Bill Gains Support

After the horrific events of Sandy Hook, it was only a matter of time before Nevada — one of the most liberal gun control states in the country — met to discuss concealed weapons on campuses. While K-12 schools are currently protected under federal law as “gun-free zones,” the Senate Judiciary Committee met this morning to discuss SB 223, a bill that proposes employees and faculty members be permitted to carry concealed weapons on higher education campuses.

Proponents of the bill suggest this is in sound conjunction with the second amendment right to bear arms. On the opposing side of the legislation, it is suggested that bringing concealed firearms to school campuses will bring dangerous consequences such as obstruction of campus police, and the instillation of fear in students and fellow faculty members.

Advocates for the bill claim that if passed, firearms permitted on campuses would create a deterrent effect and allow for safer school environments. And if denied, these campuses could remain a focus for violent crimes. As Duncan Rand Mackie, Vice President of the Nevada Firearms Coalition, stated, “Prohibiting firearms on school property by law abiding citizens makes the schools prime targets for those with mental or rage issues.”

Under current legislation in NRS 202.265, firearms are allowed on a NSHE campus only with the written permission of the president of that institution; the president addresses the request on a case-by-case basis and extends itself to special circumstances.

The acceptance of such an application is only granted after rigorous backgrounds checks, interviews, and a confirmed and pertinent risk of attack. This system has been carried out since 2008 and according to UNR President, Marc Johnson, is working just fine.

“The policy requires not presidential notification, but presidential permission,” Johnson said. “This difference allows the university to review each individual request to determine whether there is a legitimate reason to carry a weapon and allows the campus police department to review the background of the employee and verify the permit prior to providing presidential permission. The policy is in place, it is used currently, it is effective, and it is not cumbersome.”

Despite the stringent policies in obtaining permission to carry a firearm on higher education campuses, most university representatives agree that guns in schools will do more harm than good.

In a higher education environment that is meant to encourage the challenge and expression of ideas may be obstructed students from doing so because of the presence of firearms. Shannon Ellis, Vice President of Student Services at UNR, said, “More guns in the hands of faculty and staff create unhealthy dynamics toward our students.”

Adam Garcia, Director of University Police Services at UNR, said that in the event of an emergency, civilians with firearms on campus may lead to confusion as to who the offender is. According to Garcia, it could potentially hinder the campus police from successfully doing their job as trained officers in dangerous situations. “An essential element of our critical incident response plans is prohibiting firearms on the campus, except by trained police officers,” Garcia said. “This removes any grey area. These gun-free policies have helped to make out postsecondary education institutions some of the safest places in the country.”

The Senate of Judiciary Committee will follow up on the bill in the next upcoming weeks.