Commentary

Allowing Guns On Campus Would Endanger Students’ Safety
by Anthony Della Calce
September 15, 2006 

Considering Virginia’s lax gun laws, Virginia Tech’s ban on guns is the safest way to protect students.  Changing it would be a dangerous mistake.

The issue of allowing students to carry guns on campus has been a topic of debate since the William Morva incident.  Desiring better means to protect themselves, many students have voiced concern for their safety.

Currently, Virginia Tech prohibits students from possessing firearms on university property, even if they are licensed to carry a concealed weapon in the commonwealth of Virginia.  Violation of this rule may lead to suspension or dismissal from the university.

Virginia Tech defines firearms as “any gun, rifle, pistol, or handgun designed to fire bullets, BBs, pellets, or shots (including paint balls), regardless of the propellant used.”

Students who oppose this rule cite federal and state laws that outline the criteria required for buying, selling, owning, carrying and using firearms.  They argue Virginia Tech’s prohibition on firearms is unnecessary since the right to bear already comes with legal stipulations.

But these students need to take a closer look at the laws.

Federal gun control laws are minimal.  The usual suspects are not allowed to possess firearms – criminals, minors (under the age of 18), illegal aliens, and mentally defective or incompetent persons.  Otherwise, anyone 18 or older can purchase and possess a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer; 21 or older for handguns.

So that means it’s up to state laws to effectively regulate firearms.  In this case, Virginia’s laws are much too laid-back.
Citizens are allowed to purchase and carry handguns without a permit and they do not have to register them with law enforcement.  The same is true for rifles and shotguns. 

Anyone without a criminal record can easily get a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit by filling out an application.  Police cannot deny these requests and safety training is not required.

Virginia also has CCW reciprocity with several states, allowing non-residents to carry concealed handguns without notifying state law enforcement.
Federally-licensed gun retailers are required to perform state-run criminal background checks.  But, Virginia does not require criminal background checks at gun shows, swap meets, or private sales.

Furthermore, city and county governments may not pass any local laws to further regulate gun control, even if they desired to do so.
Like most states, Virginia outlaws guns on elementary and high school grounds, even if a person has a CCW permit.  As a public university, Virginia Tech also recognizes that a place of education is not a place for guns