Despite objections from president M. David Rudd and chief of campus police services Bruce Harber, full-time U of M employees may soon be allowed to carry handguns on campus. The two sent an email to students and faculty Monday stressing the potential issues of handguns on
campus.
The University of Memphis student government will host “Guns on Campus†open forum today at 7 p.m.
Both sides of the argument will be represented in an open discussion, which will provide a better audience understanding.
This forum comes as Tennessee lawmakers are in the process of voting on a bill that would allow employees on college campuses to carry a concealed firearm.
Newly elected president of government, Jared Moses will begin the evening by presenting the issues within the campus carry legislation as well as its status. He will also take questions from the audience.
“Having guns on campus is so important to talk about from a students perspective,†Moses said. “It’s important that the student voice is heard.â€
With the potential of the upcoming bill being passed, university employees with issued state permits would have the right to conceal carry.
Moses said he’s taking the forum as a chance to become more informed about guns on campus.
“I like to hear what both sides have to say,†Moses said. “(I hope students) have a better understanding of both sides with opinions expressed.â€
M. David Rudd, U of M president, and Bruce Harber, chief of campus police, said allowing weapons on campus “will disrupt our academic mission and will adversely impact student success,†in an email on April 4.
The two take pride in the safety the University of Memphis has upheld over the years. The passing of the bill is out of their control.
It’s the state legislatures choice.
“We oppose this legislation and do not believe the presence of more weapons will make our campuses safer,†Rudd and Harber in the email sent to students and faculty wrote.“The University of Memphis has consistently been one of the safest places in the state. We believe our exemplary safety record is due in part to guns being prohibited on our campuses.â€
This is not the first time an event is being held to discuss concealed carry of firearms. On March 1, the U of M also held active shooter training to inform students on what to do during a potential shooting situation.
“While acts of mass violence are rare on college campuses, we recognize our responsibility to prepare for a number of crises,†as written in the email sent by Rudd and Harber. “In addition to having addition to having our own well trained and adequately equipped police department that can respond quickly, the U of M has a multihazard emergency response plan, conducts regular training exercises for emergency events, and has an overlapping emergency notification system.â€
But with Tuesday’s event approaching, the student government wants to focus on hearing the voice of the students.
They want to make sure all students are informed on the benefits and dangers of concealed carry.
“The U of M is very safe,under initiatives by Bruce Harber,†Moses said. “That’s a good feeling to know.â€
Tuesday’s event will take place in the UC Ballroom at 7 p.m. Refreshments will also be served. Questions can be tweeted to @SGA_U of M.
