New Gun Law Passes in Arkansas Legislature, South Ark Reacts
By: Brea Douglas
Updated: February 26, 2013
EL DORADO -- Not everyone at Southern Arkansas University is convinced that the new bill that's been passed allowing staff and faculty to carry concealed handguns on campus is a good idea, including criminal justice professor and former police chief Jan Duke.
"The biggest problem you have is there always could be an accident. Guns fall out of there holsters, people sometimes are not real careful," he said.
Students at Southern Arkansas University have mixed emotions about the idea that their teacher might be allowed to have a gun in their classroom.
"At one point it could make me feel safe, but at the same time it's kind of fishy or nerve wracking," said student Michael Kornegay.
The bill wouldn't allow students to carry weapons and it gives colleges and universities the option of opting out of the law.
Southern Arkansas University students and staff are hesitant on whether or not the university needs to implement the law.
Southern Arkansas University students and staff are hesitant on whether or not the university needs to implement the law.
"I think that our university and our university police are very confident in the job that they are doing. I would say that it wouldn't be necessary for us at the time," Kornegay said.
"Let's say the worst case scenario, if you had an active shooter are you sure the people who have the concealed weapons permit are going to take the initiative and confront the situation or are they going to turn and hide and run," Duke said.
Governor Mike Beebe has not signed the bill into law yet, but if he does, Southern Arkansas University's Board of Trustees will make the final decision on whether or not it will opt out.
