South Dakota House Supports Guns on College Campuses

Posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2008

The South Dakota House has passed a bill that would allow students, teachers and visitors to carry concealed guns anywhere on the campuses of the state's public universities.

South Dakota Representatives voted 63-3 to pass the bill and send it to the Senate for further debate.

HB1261 would prevent colleges and technical schools from restricting the right to carry or possess a firearm. Schools could only require that guns kept in dormitories be stored in a locked gun safe.

District 8 Representatives Russell Olsen and Dave Gassman voted for the bill.

One of lawmakers to vote against the bill, Rep. Larry Lucas of Mission said he believes encouraging students to carry guns on campus could result in more people getting hurt or killed. And Bill Thompson of Sioux Falls said he is worried that encouraging guns on campus could lead to more murders, accidental shootings and suicides.

The bill's main sponsor, Thomas Brunner (BROO'-nur) of Nisland, says allowing law-abiding citizens to carry guns would help stop mass shootings on campus, by allowing other students to fire back.

The South Dakota Board of Regents, which governs the states six public universities, has opposed the measure, arguing that allowing students and faculty members to carry guns could make campuses more dangerous. If armed students or teachers exchange gunfire with a madman in a classroom or sports arena, more bystanders could be killed or injured in the crossfire, university officials said.

Dakota State University President Dr. Doug Knowlton says DSU stands by the Regents, and adds that lawmakers need to realize that college campuses are unique areas.

Only one other state, Utah, has legislation that authorizes weapons on college campuses.