From the Houston Chronicle – “Texas is preparing to give college students and professors the right to carry guns on campus,adding momentum to a national campaign to open this part of society to firearms.

More than half the members of the Texas House have signed on as co-authors of a measure directing universities to allow concealed handguns. The Senate passed a similar bill in 2009 and is expected to do so again. Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who sometimes packs a pistol when he jogs, has said he’s in favor of the idea.

Texas has become a prime battleground for the issue because of its gun culture and its size, with 38 public universities and more than 500,000 students. It would become the second state, following Utah, to pass such a broad-based law. Colorado gives colleges the option and several have allowed handguns.”

As much as I want for our college campuses, students and faculty to be safe and protected – I cannot bring myself to cosign on this bill.  Not that my signature is needed for it to pass, but seriously I can’t support it.  I’d rather see an increase in campus security or a task force of undercover officers placed on campuses and inside classes in the event of a heated situation.

In the wrong hands guns are a deadly weapon and too often, guns fall into the wrong hands.  While supporters of the bill glance down the tunnel at a vision of perfectly protected campuses.  I’m viewing the wider scope of a frayed bill going terribly wrong.  There are too many possibilities of tragedy, some at the hands of a crazed vigilante and some at the hands of a best friend or trusted official.

In the midst of a struggle or heated argument, an angered mind might resort to violence as a resolution.  Sticks and stones may break your bones but a bullet in the butt can kill you.

In the past, we have watched news reports on situations that turned deadly among enemies as wells as friends. Simple arguments have escalated and turned fatal with middle-aged adults, thirty-something adults and even seasoned adults.  College students are no exception to the rule.  I’d like to believe allowing concealed weapons on campus would exercise a heightened level of security.  But sadly, as I look at the possible scenarios, passing a concealed weapon bill will likely be the opening of a can of worms society isn’t ready to deal with.

College is supposed to be about finding yourself, getting a better grip on this thing called life and transitioning from a child to adulthood.  Somehow the ambiance of College Life will likely get lost in the midst of packing your books, your bags, your Blackberry and your Beretta.

Thoughts?