LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the statement below in response to the Senate’s passage of HB 1249, which would force Arkansas’ public colleges and universities to allow anyone 25 years or older, with a concealed carry permit and who undergoes minimal training, to carry hidden, loaded handguns on campus – including in classrooms and offices. Nationwide, polling shows that 95 percent of college presidents and 94 percent of college faculty oppose guns on campus.
STATEMENT FROM AUSTIN BAILEY, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“The Senate passed a dangerous bill today that will put the safety of the students and staff on our college campuses at risk. A recent amendment – which added some minimal training requirements, but which also allows students and visitors to carry guns on campus – goes in the opposite direction of addressing the concerns raised by university presidents, law enforcement and citizens throughout the bill’s consideration. If this bill is enacted, students will have to wonder whether the student, professor or visitor walking next to them on campus is carrying a hidden, loaded gun. There’s no way that this legislation won’t negatively affect our schools if it becomes the law. We will continue to fight this dangerous proposal as it progresses, including urging Governor Hutchinson to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.”
