Georgia Governor Approves Campus Conceal Carry

LISTEN TO TLR’S LATEST PODCAST:

The right to life also means the right to defend it.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation Thursday allowing people with permits to carry concealed handguns on Georgia’s public college campuses, despite the objections of state university leaders and his own veto of a campus-carry measure last year, reports Fox News.

The approval is a change in course of for Gov. Deal as it was just last year that he utilized quotes from Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and even the late Justice Antonin Scalia to veto a campus carry bill, reports Fox News.

This new bill, signed with our ceremony, was reportedly granted life because of the addition of campus locations where concealed handguns won’t be allowed, according to Gov. Deal.

“These excluded areas represent the most ‘sensitive places’ on a college campus,” Deal wrote. “It is altogether appropriate that weapons not be allowed in these areas. I appreciate the thoughtful consideration given by the General Assembly in expanding these excluded areas within a college campus in this year’s bill.”

The new conceal carry bill includes the ability to arm oneself on-campus preschools, faculty or administrative offices, disciplinary hearings and areas attended by high school students who take college classes. It does not include however, dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses, and buildings used for athletic events, reports Fox News.

The law was heavily opposed by the state university system, with every school president and police chief in Georgia’s 28 institutions opposing, said Fox News.

In a message to those campus leaders on Thursday, system Chancellor Steve Wrigley said administrators will provide guidance on implementing the new law.

“We recognize that many have strong feelings about this new law,” Wrigley wrote. “It is important that we all work together across our campuses to implement the new law appropriately and continue to provide a top-quality education to our students.”

Supporters say people must be able to protect themselves while traveling to and from campus or within school grounds. But faculty and student groups worry the change will make Georgia’s campuses less appealing for those considering other options for school or work, according to Fox News.

Campus conceal carry goes into effect on July 1st, according to Fox News, and requires people to be at least 21 — or at least 18 with proof of basic training or active service in the military — to receive a concealed carry permit. Applicants must provide fingerprints, which are used by state agencies to check for criminal records, and clear an additional federal background check.