Kentucky House Bill 542 has been proposed to allow anyone over the age of 21 to carry guns on college and university campuses in Kentucky. Currently, guns are forbidden on these campuses, but the bill aims to prevent public colleges and universities from banning guns. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Savannah Maddox, argues that banning firearms on campus is not a deterrent for those who are willing to harm others, and it leaves innocent victims defenseless in the face of the unthinkable.
“Banning firearms on campus is clearly not a deterrent for those who would willingly harm others. Yet it ensures innocent victims are defenseless in the face of the unthinkable,” said Maddox.
“Telling every person on campus who was right smack dap in the worst day of their life to ‘run, hide or fight.’ Can you imagine if one of your children or someone you loved was on that campus and they got a text message telling them to run, hide or fight? But it’s impossible to fight when your own institution of higher learning has rendered you useless,” she added.
Maddox cited the recent Michigan State University shooting as a reason to lift the ban on guns. However, some students on UK’s campus are worried and almost scared about the proposed legislation. They argue that guns should not be allowed on a college campus, and that the presence of guns would make the campus less safe. Campus police chiefs and college presidents also oppose the bill and have made the decision to be gun-free zones.
Opponents of the bill, including college presidents and campus police chiefs, argue that allowing guns on campus will make communities less safe.
The bill passed the House Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection along party lines and will now be sent to the House floor for a vote.
