Guns on Campus | Video

Van Tieu | 1/23/2013

What started as an argument between two men, ended in gunfire, leaving three people wounded at Lone Star college in Houston, Texas. It`s the fourth school shooting since the tragic shooting in Newtown, Connecticut and comes less than a week after Texas lawmakers introduced a bill allowing concealed weapons on college campuses, sparking a national debate on the issue.

North Dakota is one of 21 states that ban concealed weapons on college campuses. In light of the shooting in Texas, students at Bismarck State College offer their own viewpoints

Owen Makelky says carrying a gun on campus could prevent more shootings. "I think it`s a good idea. Nothing`s going to stop anyone more than having a gun in their face. You know the only reason why a lot of those people do that is because they know there`s not going to be a lot of backlash towards them. Say if I had a weapon in my vehicle and somebody else came after them. I`m sure it would stop them a lot faster."

His classmate, Bridger Lange, disagrees. "I really don`t think it`s necessary to have guns on campus. There`s really no reason in an educational environment. It`s irrelevant to me."

Freshman Seth Bartholomay sees a middle ground in the debate. "Security guards should have them. And if it`s hunting season, and it`s locked in a case, I don`t see a problem. But if they`re sitting on a seat it wouldn`t be a good idea. Because people can break in and steal them."

All three students are gun owners and say guns do make them feel safer. Although, they have different opinions, they all agree, they`d rather focus on their studies than worry about a shooting on campus.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY