Students speak out for 2nd amendment
Sean Gough
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: News
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First-time shooter Sara Walter '09 said "learning to shoot was very exhilarating because it was a chance...to physically exercise one of my rights as an American."
Matthew Weiss '07, College Republicans vice president, who had never shot a gun before either, said that, for him, "physically, shooting a gun was a great challenge in stamina and marksmanship."
According to EFGA President Bob Bajor, it was important to talk about the history, philosophy, and firearms regulation and tell students "the truth about firearms that they never see in the mass media - how safe the sport of shooting is." He noted that since 1930, firearms ownership is up 400 percent, but firearms accidents are actually down 70 percent. "That's reality, not the propaganda," he said.
When a CR officer approached him with the second amendment event, Bajor said the group's members were so excited, they offered their time, resources, and range space for free. "[EFGA members] were glad to find out that not all college students were Democrats," he said.
The right that the CRs exercised Saturday has been the subject of two centuries' worth of fierce arguments. The possession and use of weapons, especially guns, in American society is a contentious issue, even among college students.
"The 2nd Amendment is an important issue because it is a direct reflection of an individual's right to life, liberty, and property," Nick Baldwin '06 said. "Even though the law enforcement system today has been greatly improved since the days of our Constitution's inception, the 2nd Amendment is still necessary to act as the backbone or muscle behind preserving our natural rights."
Private institutions, such as colleges and universities, however, are able to establish independent policy. According to the Lafayette College Student Handbook, "Firearms, air guns, and other hazardous items or weapons of any kind, including ammunition, firecrackers, gun powder, and chemicals, are strictly prohibited and, if found, will be confiscated and the owner subject to disciplinary action, including suspension." Only two students have been suspended for firearm possession in the past 15 years, said Acting Dean of Students Kevin Worthen.