Guns on campus? New laws could allow for weapons

MESA, AZ - At Mesa Community College, officers with guns patrol the campus, but soon students and teachers might also be packing heat.

"I have nothing against guns. I will pick up a gun and shoot it, but on campus, I don't think it's the place for it," Tresa Weinkaul said.

"I don't know. I think it's stupid if you're going to bring a gun to school, you shouldn't be at school," Tyler Sweringen agreed.

The Arizona state legislature is considering two bills.

The first, House Bill 2001 centers on faculty, allowing teachers with permits to carry concealed weapons on campus.

The second, House Bill 2014, would let students as well as faculty arm themselves as long as they have concealed weapons permits.

"I am sure there are circumstances in which it's appropriate," Justin Hogue said.

The chair of the Arizona Community College President's Council issued a statement opposing the law, and a Maricopa Community College faculty spokesman echoed his concerns.

"We don't believe it is going to make things any safer," Dr. Barry Vaughn said. "We have full confidence in the law enforcement officers that are employed here at the colleges, as well as local law enforcement to handle any security issues."

Supporters of the bills say guns could be a first line of defense when things go wrong, and could also serve as a deterrent.

Similar bills have been not been successful.