Florida Legislature Considers Controversial "Campus Carry Bill"
Posted March 23, 2015 05:35 am
TALLAHASSEE,
FL - Even as university presidents, campus police and
student government leaders rose up against it, the
Florida Senate's Higher Education Committee has given
its approval to a controversial bill (SB 176) that would
allow concealed firearms on college campuses.
State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda is one of the
few Democrats in favor of the legislation. She says for
her, it's personal.
"I was sent to college with a handgun by my father who
trained me to use one, and thank God, because I had a
rape attempted and was able to get to my gun, and was
able to stop the rape," she relates.
SB-176
Florida is one of 20 states that outlaw guns on campus,
but the debate was renewed last fall after two students
and an employee were wounded at Florida State
University's main library by a gunman later killed by
police.
Florida lawmakers in favor of the bill say it comes down
to 2nd Amendment rights, and the National Rifle
Association argues it will make colleges safer.
But a litany of university presidents, campus police and
student body leaders have come out strongly against the
legislation.
Testifying before lawmakers, Florida State student
Harrison DuBosar said he believes it would only make
matters worse.
"This is our number one student concern right now on
campus," he stated. "We are confident in our law
enforcement. We are not confident in untrained students
over the age of 21 with a concealed carry permit and a
one hour class, to carry guns on campus."
The bill next faces the judiciary and rules
subcommittees before reaching the full Senate. A
companion bill is also being considered in the Florida
House. Both branches are majority Republican.
Photos/graphics; links; added and updated by the Observer | Photo: Tulsa CC
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