Greetings,
My name is John Wallace, I speak to you on behalf of Nebraska Students for Concealed Carry, which consists of hundreds of college students, faculty, staff and parents who support restoring the right to self-defense on campus.
We are writing to urge you to remove the hostile double-standard which prohibits licensed, lawfully-armed citizens from defending themselves on college campuses – a policy which only benefits criminals by giving them “safe zones.”
“Campus carry” is already a successful and effective policy on hundreds of other campuses in seven states, in compliance with state laws for obtaining a concealed weapons permit.
We ask that you consider the following five points as you weigh the changes to state law that we propose:
1. Gun Control is Not Crime Control
Changing the policy will have no impact on criminal behavior because, in the words of Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, “persons who wish to perpetrate violence will ignore them, and the net effect of such policies is to leave defenseless the law-abiding citizens who follow these policies.” By creating an absolute ban on licensed concealed carry, teachers, students and employees are left completely helpless against potential attacks, while criminals are empowered to carry out their wanton crimes with impunity.
The only people impacted by this law will be lawfully-armed citizens who could make a difference in a threatening situation.
2. Gun-Free Zones Are A Failed Policy
College campuses are one of the few places in America where crime is on the increase. Additionally, of more than two dozen notable campus shootings in the last ten years, all have occurred on so-called “gun free” campuses. There is no practical mechanism for enforcing such a gun ban; colleges are open environments where people can come and go at will. Stickers and signs announcing firearm prohibitions DO NOT and WILL NOT suffice. What these signs actually do is create (and advertise!) a defense-free zone, removing legal guns and forcibly disarming victims. This is exactly what makes colleges most attractive to killers who seek easy targets. Signs and policies will not stop a violent offender.
3. Campus Carry Works When Tried
More than 220 campuses in seven states allow campus carry without a single resultant incident. In fact, out of Wisconsin, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Mississippi and Oregon, crime reports and local law enforcement both provide strong evidence that campus carry actively reduces crime on campus.
4. The Law Only Affects Existing Permit Holders
The laws of Nebraska do not “arm students” or add additional firearms to the mix. They allow existing licensees to carry according to state standards. Since criminals don’t follow the law, no one can possibly argue that changing the rules for these qualified, law-abiding citizens will lead to an increase in crime. Professors, ROTC cadets, former Military, evening students or anyone who already carries a concealed weapon under existing law are no different on campus than they are off-campus, and already carry concealed into thousands of places throughout their state, including movie theaters, restaurant, shopping malls, and grocery stores. They should not be deprived of the ability to protect themselves on campus.
5. Only the Legislature Has Authority Over Firearms Laws
This legislature has created sensible policies for obtaining concealed firearms licenses. However, this policy currently criminalizes the means to self defense on college campuses. These individuals do not suddenly turn into homicidal, alcoholic, drug taking maniacs when they cross the imaginary line the separates college campuses from everywhere else. We are certainly not advocating that every student and staff member carry a weapon for self defense, only those who are allowed the means to defend themselves in virtually every other environment.
The only one present who can protect you 24/7 is you.
We know you recognize self-defense is a fundamental human right. For the safety of our college campuses and the protection of our students, we firmly and respectfully request you to support and promote that right on Nebraska campuses.
Sincerely,
John Wallace
Nebraska Students for Concealed Carry
