Many of us are wondering why signs were put up on every entrance of the campus. “The signs have to be up according to the law,” said Angie, Custodian at MATC’s Downtown Campus. When asked, Archie Graham, Head of MATC’s Student Life, said, “Weapons of any kind are prohibited. Comply with the signs; these are messages.” Yes, and I do agree. These signs were put up in observance of the Concealed Carry Law, recently implemented, November 1, 2011, in Wisconsin. Out of fifty, states forty-eight have implemented a concealed carry law. Given that students primarily live in Wisconsin, out of the way, Illinois is the last remaining ‘No Permit Available’ states.
Earlier this year Republicans passed a bill where permit-holding adults can carry concealed hand guns, knives, stun guns and night sticks into such places as a bar (cannot consume alcohol), a day care and private businesses, unless signs prohibiting weapons are posted by the proprietors.
Governor Walker signed the Concealed Carry Bill, early this month, regulating it so that Wisconsin residents over the age of 21, who are legally eligible to possess firearms under state law and provide proof of passing a four hour training course, can obtain a concealed carry permit. The law excludes felons, but not violent misdemeanor offenders. Wow, what about doing a mental evaluation? What in the name of screening are they doing to the public? Anyone with bad eyes can see that most mass shootings happened from the hands of sociopaths or they seemed normal until they snapped. Everyone has a breaking point, but how they deal with it is a question to be asked and the answer is to be looked at. It doesn’t take a psychology degree to know that. Everyone is afraid of something. Come on, will a weapon make it go away? I was taught to pray or face my fears in a non-confrontational way. Trust there are options, but will a weapon, let alone a gun, do away with them? Or will it escalate the situation?
Barry Little, a student at MATC, said, “I agree with the signs. We come to school to learn, not be violent or shoot anyone. That’s not what we’re here for.” He continued, “I wouldn’t carry and conceal a weapon. I shouldn’t have to walk around with a pistol to feel safe. Although I do have one at home to protect myself, I feel that by carrying one it will only escalate the situation. There’s a flip side to every coin, who says I will get heads.”
Another student, Brittany Odden said, “I feel safe with the signs on the door, since there have been a lot of school shootings around. I don’t think there’s a need to carry a gun for my safety, but if something wrong were to happen to me that might change my mind.” How wrong does it have to be? Or does that matter? I really wanted to ask Brittany these questions before she walked away.
Mindless behavior happens around us all the time, but one would only know what they are capable of until it happens to them. Are these signs in preparation to prevent what can or may happen at our school or any school for that matter?
Becky Quesada of MATC’s Latino Office in the Department of Multicultural Student Services said, “We, MATC, have to put forth a plan of action soon to prevent anything happening. The signs are great.” Indeed they are, Becky and Archie; for our safety the signs are only a guide. It’s up to MATC’s Public Safety and us, the students and staff, to help prevent a loss of life or anyone getting hurt. Having possession of a weapon anywhere will only add fuel to a burning flame.
