HB 1249, Which Faces Strong Objection from Arkansas’ Colleges and Campus Police, Would Force Colleges to Allow Guns on Campus by Requiring Them to Let Students, Faculty and Visitors Carry Hidden, Loaded Handguns on Campus
Additionally, the Bill Would Force Public Buildings and Parks to Allow Guns, and Also Allow People to Carry Hidden, Loaded Guns in Crowded Places Such as Sporting Events, Bars and Airports
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 Governor Hutchinson’s announcement that he intends to sign HB 1249, which would force Arkansas’ public colleges and universities to allow anyone with a concealed carry permit and minimal training to carry hidden, loaded handguns on campus – including in classrooms, offices and most places on campus. The bill also would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry hidden, loaded handguns in sensitive areas throughout the state, after the Senate amended the bill to not only force guns onto college campuses, but also to force public buildings and parks to allow guns and to allow concealed guns at crowded sporting events (including Razorback Stadium), bars and airports throughout the state. 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:
“This is a shocking and disappointing announcement by the governor, who is clearly ignoring the voices of Arkansas’ college communities and even our campus law enforcement officers, to stand with the gun lobby and their allies in the statehouse. His decision is truly shameful, and it will make everyday life in Arkansas more dangerous. Students shouldn’t have to worry that the kid next to them in class is carrying a gun. Football fans shouldn’t have to worry about gunfire in Razorback Stadium. But that’s the fate our Governor has given us today. Like many moms in Arkansas, I’m angry. I will continue to fight for a better, safer Arkansas and urge everyone outraged today to join us.”