thebattalion ● thursday,
november 8, 2012
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media
Concealed Campus carry issue heightens amid pending legislation, shootings Mark Doré The Battalion
T
he reputation of the gun and the rhetoric surrounding Texas culture have been intertwined since the state’s conception. Perpetuated by popular culture and the media, the stereotype of the gun-toting Texan remains steadfast in the national consciousness.
There is no state firearm registration, no limit on magazine size or ammunition purchases. Class III weapons, including suppressors, machine guns and short-barreled firearms, are legal. Since the expiration of the federal assault weapons ban, Texas places no restrictions on “assault weapons.” Texas is a “castle doctrine” state, a “stand your ground” state and a “peaceable journey” state. Texas citizens buy, sell, carry and use firearms. Guns and Texas have a long, deep-set history. But what is the best way to approach the matter of firearms on a campus full of students? The state has delegated the issue of concealed carry to the
Carry calibration
49 states, including Texas, permit concealed carry licenses to qualified applicants.
There are about 400,000 concealed carry licenses in Texas.
About 67% of murders in the U.S. are committed with firearms. Source: Texas Department of Public Safety
universities, though no university in Texas allows concealed carry within university buildings. A recent push by the A&M Student Senate to pass the Texas A&M Personal Protection Bill would call on the Texas government to mandate that public universities allow concealed carry on campus and in buildings. The vote passed 38-19, but a senator’s motion for reconsideration delayed the bill. Student referendums in 2009 and 2011 did not support concealed carry on campus. A&M policy currently allows concealed carry on campus, but not in university buildings. Proponents of campus carry believe students should have means of protection that go beyond pepper spray or self-defense training. Those in opposition believe adding guns to a college campus will only further endanger students. The University Police Department doesn’t take a partisan stance on the issue of campus carry. “Our stance is whatever the legislature indicates for us as police officers,” said Lt. Allan Baron of UPD. “Whatever that law says, that’s what we’re going to enforce.” Students such as Camille Mohle, chairman of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, express personal sentiments on the subject. She said the issue comes down to self-preservation. “The fact that you can’t guarantee me that I’m safe on campus, a place I spend 40 or 60 hours of
Photo illustration by Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
There are too many criminals in this country, not too many . There are not enough guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens for self-defense.”
guns
— Chris Woolsey, sophomore political science major
my week, is something to be afraid of,” the senior political science major said. Christine Ajufo, president of the Texas Aggie Democrats, disagrees. “Concealed weapons have no place on college campuses,” Ajufo said. “Anytime there are multiple armed, untrained individuals in
such high stress situations, there is a cause for concern. I fully acknowledge the difficulties involved in obtaining a concealed handgun license, but that simply pales in comparison to police training for campus shootings.” A&M professor in abnormal psychology Jack Bodden offered psychological research on the modified frustration-aggression hypothesis to the argument. “This hypothesis states that when goal-directed activity is blocked, frustration and anger are aroused,” Bodden said. “However, violent action is not likely to occur unless ‘aggressive cues’ such as guns, knives and weapons are present. If present, the odds of aggressive
action go way up. If we go a step further and assume that the frustrated person with a gun has also been drinking and is an impulsive adolescent, then we have a recipe for disaster.” Campus safety In 2007, 32 people were killed and 17 wounded on the campus of Virginia Tech. School shootings happen in this country, and they happen often. Is this university prepared for such an event? Baron said the answer is yes. And the tragedy at Virginia Tech played a direct part in A&M’s heightened preparation. Subsequently, the department See Carry on page 2
campus
crime
Students honor Luce at candlelight vigil
CSPD investigates murder, drug case; questions student
Sarah Gibson Special to The Battalion Hundreds of candles flickered in front of the J.K. Williams Administration building as the cool night air swept through the crowd that gathered to honor the life of Garrett Cole Luce, who died Sunday. Luce was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity and his friends held a candlelight vigil to honor the life of their brother. “If I could say anything about Garrett I would say that I have known him my entire life and that Garrett was a loyal friend who cared for those around him and loved his parents, his friends and his lord Jesus Christ,” said Ben Riggle, freshman engineering technology major. “For me, Garrett will always be remembered as my oldest friend, and as someone I could ask anything of and entrust with anything.” Garrett attended Second Baptist School in Houston, where he acted in the Fall Dramas, sang in the choir and perfected his baseball skills. He was passionate about baseball and during the summer he coached high school athletes. “Garrett loved and poured into his camp-
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Jake Walker
his love for others. He had a huge heart and was always smiling.” Several of Garrett’s high school classmates were in attendance Wednesday night.
The Battalion A College Station man was shot and killed Monday night after an attempted robbery of a residence. The next day, an A&M student was questioned by the College Station Police Department as a witness to the murder. The victim was Christopher Reeves, son of the recently appointed Brazos County constable. A probable cause statement reported that Reeves and a Robert Farr, 28, approached a residence at the corner of Holik Drive and Anderson Street —an A&M student’s residence — after setting up a purchase for one pound of marijuana. Farr told CSPD that he and Reeves had no intention of buying the marijuana and set up the purchase with the intent to steal the drugs from Robert Reese, who lived at the residence. Farr said upon their arrival, Reeves went inside the residence while Farr waited in the vehicle. Soon after entering, Reeves ran outside and re-
See Luce on page 4
See Murder on page 3
Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Members of Kappa Alpha, sororities, cadets and students gather on the Administration Building steps to honor Garrett Luce. ers and he bonded and shared life with his coworkers this summer,” said David Sargent, sophomore electrical engineering major, who worked with Garrett at Kanakuk Kamps. “During the short time I knew him I could see the love of God overflow into
11/8/12 12:32 AM