Dear Editor,
In the Nov. 10 Southeastern article “Concealed carry arguments not considering safety,” Jerreck McWilliams did an excellent job portraying the concealed carry situation as it currently exists.
His research was well documented, and his presentation was thorough. It was a good read.
I would, however, like to add just one more point. From a “safety” angle, if you will.
Occasionally, in my role as a department chair, I am called on to act in a conciliatory manor between students who, for one reason or another, have a disagreement with each other.
With over 500 students taking safety courses each semester, it just happens.
Let me use a “hypothetical” situation. Let’s say that two young men decide to have a physical altercation in the department.
It seems that the previous night they happened to be in the same bar and one launched a beer bottle at the other and a fight ensued.
The next day, they come face-to-face in a common area, and because of the relative young age of these two combatants, there is more testosterone evident than maturity. Passion and pride take over.
We’re able to get the fight stopped, but for a few minutes, pure hatred is the rule of the day.
The point is, when two students are in a fight, and one is on the losing end, especially if there are bystanders watching and pride is a factor, common sense flies out the window.
If both are unarmed, we can get the fight stopped before anyone is seriously hurt.
If one is carrying a handgun and is losing the fight, the end result might be vastly different.
In the midst of battle, the reasonable person does not exist.
How fast might someone reach for that gun?
It’s a split second decision that could have eternal consequences.
Oh sure, the shock of the blast will bring everyone back to their senses fast, but the damage is done.
Someone is bleeding out on the floor. One life is lost, and one is forever changed.
I own firearms and have all of my life. I enjoy hunting and target shooting.
I’m not against guns or anyone’s right to possess them.
BUT from a safety standpoint, I say “no” to concealed weapons on campus by anyone other than those wearing a badge.
It’s just a stupid idea.
Sincerely,
Dr. Wayne Jones
Department of Occupational
Safety and Health chair
