SB 176, Subject of Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee Hearing Today, Would Force Colleges and Universities to Allow Concealed Handguns on Campus.
In advance of the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee’s hearing of S.B. 176 – legislation that would force public colleges and universities to allow concealed handguns on campus – the Florida Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the following statement:
“The gun lobby’s push to force colleges and universities to allow guns on campus is misguided and dangerous,” said Chryl Anderson, a volunteer with the Florida Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Listen to those who know our schools best — college presidents, students, and university police chiefs. Moms stand with them against this type of reckless legislation because college life is already rife with academic pressures, alcohol, and drug abuse. Let’s not force guns into that mix.”
Further Information on Guns and Florida College Campuses
- Florida’s State University System, which includes 12 universities, their police chiefs, and the Board of Governors, opposes guns-on-campus legislation, saying it could “create new challenges in our ability to provide a safe and secure learning environment.”
- Florida State President John Thrasher and FSU Police Chief David Perry strongly oppose the legislation in the wake of FSU’s shooting on campus in November. Thrasher has said “When it comes to guns on campus, the consequences far outweigh the positives.”
- The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators opposes the legislation.
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2.5 million members and more than 40,000 donors. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand