I am writing in response to the Jan. 20th article “Panel offers perspectives on campus carry,” by Lariat reporter Jessica Hubble. With rising instances of gun violence sweeping the nation, it is completely understandable for students and faculty alike to have concerns about the notion of campus carry. I would like to address one of these concerns, namely a statement by Mark Childers, who is the associate vice president for the Baylor Department of Public Safety.
Mr. Childers is no doubt qualified to speak on these matters; however, some statements from Jessica Hubble’s article are concerning. Mr. Childers pointed out that a gun could perhaps be left behind by a student or fall to the ground and discharge. It is important to note that under GC §411.172 A7 of the Texas License to Carry a Handgun Laws, before being issued a license, one must display sound knowledge of gun safety. This would include how to secure the weapon within a holster matching the make and model of the weapon. These holsters are designed with manual release mechanisms, which will not likely fail from normal activity. While of course there is the possibility of the holster not working effectively, this possibility also exists for any police officer. I think it is a poor argument against campus carry to assign this unlikely outcome as any more prevalent than it already is with our own law enforcement.
My question for Mr. Childers is have you ever in your 26 years of carrying a fire arm while in the Secret Service witnessed an accidental discharge due to a holster malfunction?
Jacob Santarelli
Sophomore
Colorado Springs, Colo.
