November 23, 2015

University of Texas at El Paso

500 W. University Ave.
RE: Campus Concealed Carry in the City of El Paso.
Dear RWS 1301:
Although the bill allowing concealed handguns on campus has already been passed, it is still a
vital issue that is followed by many concerns. These concerns consist of the fact that many
oppose, safety is at risk and the unpredictable outcomes of having guns on campus. These issues
need to be addressed.
The majority of the population on college campuses are students between the ages of 18 and 21.
The other small portion of the population mostly consist of staff and faculty members. There
have been multiple polls done to determine how the students and faculty felt about the situation;
both these groups of people agree that handguns shouldnt be allowed on campus.
Concealed weapons on campus are also a large issue on safety. College campuses were referred,
by many, as a home away from home, and was considered one of the safest places to be. As of
right now, many students and staff felt safe on campus but that will change. Campus security was
never in full force and most didnt even carry weapons themselves. Now college campuses need
to implement proper security training for more serious situations.
The other major issue is the unpredictability. Who is to determine the mental stability of each
individual, on campus, with a gun in their bag? There is no way to determine what each
individual is thinking and feeling at an exact moment. Unfortunately many college students
suffer slight depression and major amounts of stress. So their reaction, essentially, is very
unpredictable to certain situations, like being told they are failing a class.
We now know that concealed handguns on college campuses are a severe threat to the students
and staff. Large groups of people, not only students, oppose this bill but have not yet made an
effort to fight it.
Our community should stand up for what is right and fight against allowing concealed handguns
on college campuses around the nation. We can do this by creating and signing petitions to
potentially reverse this bill. El Paso should also consider voicing their opinions to the president
of the university.
Sincerely,

Caroline Hernandez-Casner