Georgia Senator Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) introduced Senate Bill 101 this past legislative session, which would have allowed guns on university campuses.
On Tuesday, during an Athens-area legislative delegation meeting with the ACC Commission and mayor of Athens, Ginn asked them if they had an opinion about the bill that failed to pass. How did they feel about having guns on campus?
"For me, it's a volatile issue," Ginn said. "Between now and the next session, y'all maybe put that on the agenda for discussion."
Commissioner Jerry NeSmith said that he supports the Second Amendment and that he himself has owned guns. He said he would prefer that Ginn work on the issues the Commission told the delegation are important for Athens. "Gun bills are not the points I wish you would spend your time on."
Having guns on campus "will chill discussion in the classroom," said Commissioner Andy Herold, a UGA geography professor. "In a class of 200 students, I don't want to worry about who has a gun. This is the worst possible idea that has been brought up in the General Assembly in a long time."
Commissioner Kelly Girtz, who directs the Classic City High School, said he wouldn't want to carry a gun even if he could.
Ginn said his purpose in introducing Senate Bill 101 was to "get reciprocity with South Carolina," so that Georgians with gun permits could cross state lines without worrying about violating South Carolina laws. Other committees added the campus carry provisions.
The bill was stalled in the final moments of the 2013 session. But it will likely return during the next session, Ginn said.
What do you think? Should guns be allowed on college campuses? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.
Read more Patch coverage of the gun debate:
- Should Ga Tech students be allowed to carry concealed weapons?
- Most Georgians Support Gun Controls – Really
- Hundreds Rally at the Georgia Capitol for Gun Rights
- Mayor Reed Joins Mayors Against Illegal Guns
- School Principals Carrying Guns? Buckhead Parents Say 'It's a Bad Idea'
- Weapons Debate Draws Gun Enthusiasts and Buyers to Local Range
- How To Go From NRA Parroting To Independent Thinking