EDITORIAL: Concealed carry bill would serve opposite of its stated purpose

Posted 2/17/15

That’s why we oppose House Bill 114, the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act. The Wyoming House passed it on a 42-17 vote on Feb. 2; it is now in the hands of a Senate committee.

If the full Senate approves the bill, and Gov. Matt Mead signs the …

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EDITORIAL: Concealed carry bill would serve opposite of its stated purpose

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We agree with Park County School District No. 1 Superintendent Kevin Mitchell and Northwest College President Stefani Hicswa: Guns do not belong on school and college grounds or in classrooms.

That’s why we oppose House Bill 114, the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act. The Wyoming House passed it on a 42-17 vote on Feb. 2; it is now in the hands of a Senate committee.

If the full Senate approves the bill, and Gov. Matt Mead signs the bill into law or allows it to be enacted without his signature, college students 21 and older, all staffers and guests will be allowed to have concealed-carry guns on them in classrooms and on school and college grounds.

Permit holders also could carry concealed weapons into other public meetings, including city council, school board and legislative gatherings.

Currently, open carry is allowed almost everywhere in the state, without the need of a permit. However, some entities, including those in charge of schools, colleges and many public facilities, prohibit that.

We are well aware that many, if not most, Cowboy State residents are strong supporters of the right to keep and bear arms. Some feel they should be allowed to carry guns anywhere they wish.

They quote the Second Amendment — a part of it, anyway — to bolster their claim. We feel a more complete look at the amendment, which includes the term “well-regulated,” indicates what the Founding Fathers were thinking when they approved those first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

The members of our editorial board support gun rights. Most of us are gun owners and hunters who grew up believing that Americans can own and use guns in a safe, responsible manner.

At the same time, we feel schools, where our children and young people are gathered to learn about those rights and responsibilities, must be safe places. Introducing more guns into those settings does not do that.

The gun-free zones that now exist around schools and in other public facilities would disappear. People could be packing privately anywhere they wish.

One of the arguments in favor of the bill is that the deranged or the criminally inclined do not adhere to gun control laws, anyway. By allowing concealed carry into these settings, we would increase security, the proponents contend.

We are not persuaded by that. Adding more guns into the mix, especially around young people who may be more emotional and easily upset, seems to raise the danger level, not decrease it. In addition, accidental shootings would place people at risk.

Mitchell, a gun owner and National Rifle Association member, thinks the proposed law is deeply misguided.

“To rely on the public to protect our students by allowing a person to carry a concealed weapon on school property is naive,” he said. “These terrible acts of violence occur very random and quickly. There is not much time for anyone to respond.”

Powell schools have a police officer assigned and dedicated to the classrooms and grounds. We feel his presence, along with nearby law enforcement officers, provide the needed security.

We would welcome a discussion on school districts, especially those in rural settings, located away from the protection of trained law enforcement, having trained and authorized staffers who are armed. That seems worthwhile.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures,  Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin now allow concealed-carry guns on college grounds. On Thursday, a South Dakota legislative committee approved such a bill.

It’s a recent development in the ongoing public debate over gun rights that has led to people carrying semi-automatic rifles and other intimidating weapons in restaurants, on streets and sidewalks and in other settings where they cause concern and unease.

In Idaho, allowing concealed-carry guns onto campuses has had a steep cost, according to the Idaho Statesman. “Five of Idaho’s universities and community colleges have spent more than $1.5 million to beef up security after the law allowing concealed weapons on campuses was approved, and the schools expect total costs to top $3.7 million for the year,” the paper reported.

That’s a fact Hicswa has shared with Big Horn Basin legislators. If this bill becomes law, will lawmakers provide funding for the increased security?

We hope the Wyoming Senate or Gov. Mead makes sure this misguided bill does not become law.

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