By David Frownfelder, Daily Telegram

Recently introduced legislation would allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry a weapon on college campuses. Senate Bill 747, sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, would remove college campuses from the no-carry zones for concealed weapons, allowing people with CCW permits to carry a weapon at a Michigan college or university campus.

“Unfortunately, our nation has seen an increase in horrific shootings on college campuses in the last few years,” Richardville said. “Those who receive the training and have been authorized to carry concealed weapons should be allowed to protect themselves against this type of violence.”

Not everyone agrees this measure would make campuses any safer than they are now. Cindy Birdwell, director of campus security at Siena Heights University, said she had some real concerns.

“Despite some of the terrible tragedies that have occurred on some campuses the past few years, overall, our college campuses are still very safe,”?Birdwell said. “I have some real concerns that allowing concealed weapons on campus would make them safer. I don’t see any credible evidence to show this.”

Noting that few of Michigan’s institutes of higher learning have their own police departments — state universities and some private schools being the exceptions — Birdwell asked if all campuses would have to institute CCW permits for all members of the campus security forces.

“Would law enforcement be able to distinguish between an active shooter and a legitimate CCW carrier?” she asked. “The high incidence of suicide rates on college campuses also worries me. Would this just be adding to that?”

According to Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, 24 states prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on campus by those with a valid permit, while 15 states allow colleges and universities to decide.

“Crimes occur on college campuses just like any other place,” Richardville said. “Students, faculty and visitors who have permits and have undergone the proper training and background checks should have the right to carry a concealed weapon for their protection while on campus.”
Officials at Adrian College declined to comment on the proposal. Several organizations in favor of gun rights support Richardville’s legislation.

“The National Rifle Association doesn’t believe in arbitrary boundaries, and we look forward to working with the Michigan Legislature to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners everywhere,” said Darin Goens, NRA’s Michigan state liaison. “If law-abiding gun owners go through the scrutiny, extensive background checks, training and all the legal channels to obtain a right-to-carry permit, they should be able to carry those firearms.”

Steven Dulan is a member of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners board of directors and legal counsel for the foundation.

“Tragedies such as the Virginia Tech massacre prove beyond all doubt that murderers do not honor so-called ‘pistol free zones.’ Only law-abiding citizens are disarmed by such rules,”?Dulan said. “Sen. Richardville’s bill is one more step toward extending the benefits of liberty and safety to more of our citizens in more places. We fully support his effort.”

Michigan’s CCW law contains several provisions that would limit the statute on campuses unless they are amended. Applicants must be 21 years of age and have no criminal record. In addition, they must be a resident of Michigan for six months, though that requirement could be waived for someone who has a CCW permit in another state.

Co-sponsoring the measure are Sens. Cameron S. Brown, R-Fawn River Twp.; Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt; Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Twp.; Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau; Bruce Patterson, R-Canton; and Jim Barcia, D-Bay City. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

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