The Reflector

On Nov. 3, Mississippi State sent out a reminder to all students that the university will not tolerate any type of weapons on campus. The consequences of breaking this rule include severe punishment from both the state of Mississippi as well as from the university. The beginning of hunting season warranted this announcement.

This law, without a doubt, will hinder students who live on campus from enjoying the sport of hunting since they are not permitted to have their rifles on campus. Even though some students are angered by this rule, we all need to ask ourselves whether a sport is more important than the well-being of the MSU community.

After the tragedy which unfolded at Virginia Tech in 2007, gun lobbies actually advocated that students should carry weapons on them in an effort to make campuses safer. As students of a large university, we should be thankful the current rule is in place.

A situation such as the one at Virginia Tech is unimaginable to us all, but not impossible. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance university officials work to protect the student body. Personally, I feel the safety of our students should be first priority over the recreational activities in which some of us choose to participate.

Recreation is not the only reason students might feel the need to have weapons in their possession on campus. Some may feel it necessary to carry weapons for self-defense, which is a valid concern considering the number of assaults which occur on college campuses across the country each year. The National Institute of Justice projects one in every five young women is assaulted during her college career.

However, weapons such as knives and small handguns are not the only way to protect oneself against an attacker. Some suggestions listed on the Sexual Assault Services Web site include using the buddy system when going out and walking in lighted areas in order to prevent being attacked.

If the state was lenient about the presence of weapons on campus, it would entitle anyone to have a concealed weapon. This includes those who pose a threat to the rest of the student body. Although those who attack people on college campuses are not always students, this is the case most of the time. Allowing weapons on campus would enable assailants to be even more threatening than they already are.

An advocate for the Brady Campaign, a nonprofit pro-gun control organization, stated in an online article, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has concluded people between the ages of 18 and 24 have the highest tendency of possessing illegal firearms. People in this age range also commit the most assaults with deadly weapons than any other. Isn't it intimidating enough to walk around campus alone without wondering if every person you pass is carrying a gun on them?

The zero tolerance rule regarding weapons is one of the most important laws governing our campus. It is my opinion that without this strict code, the population of MSU would be at risk for an event much like the one at Virginia Tech.

However much this rule impairs students from participating in recreational activities, it is important to remember how vital this law is to the safety of all students here at MSU. Weapons falling into the wrong hands can mean disaster for innocent people, which is exactly what officials are trying to prevent by strictly enforcing this code. Although we have the right to bear arms as American citizens, a college campus is not an appropriate place to carry a gun or other type of weapon.

Nora Donnelly is a sophomore majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

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