Autumn Clarke, Campus Carrier Features Editor

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. recently adjusted its student code to allow students the ability to carry concealed guns in classrooms. Those who obtain a Virginia concealed carry permit and permission from the campus police have been able to carry a loaded gun into classrooms since the school’s policy revision on March 22; however, firearms remain banned from residence halls under any circumstances. The university’s staff and visitors are allowed to carry firearms into the university’s buildings on campus as well. The university believes students should have the ability to protect themselves in the event of an attack on the school and now joins 25 colleges across the nation allowing students to carry concealed weapons on campus. Virginia is one of 24 states leaving the decision on banning guns up to the schools.

Georgia currently bans carrying a concealed weapon on college campuses, but even if the state were to join the 25 currently allowing concealed carry, students shouldn’t expect Berry to suddenly change its policy on firearms. According to a document released by Dean of Students Debbie Heida, Berry currently holds several reasons for not allowing firearms on campus, mainly dealing with the belief that allowing it would create fear among students and staff. As a residential campus, Berry does not want students to live in fear while they reside and study on campus.

In addition to this, Berry recognizes that college is a stressful time for students and believes adding guns to the already-stressful environment would not be beneficial to the health and safety of students and the community. “Eighteen to twenty-two year olds do not always possess the impulse control to make good decisions in dealing with anger,” Heida said in the document. “Our faculty and staff should not have to be fearful about students with guns in their work environment, one that includes a power differential with students and involves feedback that at times makes students incredibly angry.”

“When students feel safe in a campus environment, which ours typically do, they are inherently bad about leaving personal items unsecured,” Heida added. “A weapon and/or ammunition left unsecured is a safety threat to the entire campus community.”

In the same document from Heida, students are reminded that simply because somebody holds a permit to carry a weapon does not make the individual competent in using the weapon. Training in the use of firearms is extensive and often takes place under simulated stressful situations. Even thoroughly trained law enforcement officers will have moments where they crack under pressure and Berry does not have the means to prepare and educate students about proper use of firearms.

Overall, Berry Chief of Police Bobby Abrams indicated that Berry doesn’t have too many problems with students and weapon violations.

“It’s been many years since we’ve had a student weapon violation,” Abrams said. “We have these violations sporadically, every seven or eight years probably. It’s typically really minor, and there may be some ignorance to the rules, but I think it’s usually just students seeing whatever they can get by with. I think people typically come in, know the rules and understand them.”