UNC’s Department of Public Safety still weighing gun law options

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled state legislature recently passed sweeping gun reforms allowing concealed handguns into formerly restricted areas across the state — including university campuses.

House Bill 937, signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory on July 29, authorizes concealed-carry permit holders to bring handguns onto public school and university campuses. The weapons must remain secured in the trunk or glove box of a locked vehicle parked in a lot.

UNC-system President Tom Ross opposed the bill in its early stages, along with all UNC-system chancellors and campus police chiefs.

In a statement released in April, Ross said public safety officers may have difficulty distinguishing criminal suspects from bystanders lawfully wielding guns when responding to an incident on campus.

“The potential for tragedy far outweighs any potential benefit or convenience to concealed-carry permit holders,” he said.

Randy Young of UNC-CH’s Department of Public Safety said the issue is being studied by the UNC system, and it’s premature to say how the new law will affect students.

“We’re at a point right now where it wouldn’t be prudent to make any decision as to exactly how this would be enforced or approached at UNC,” he said.

One of the bill’s primary sponsors, N.C. Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer (R-Mecklenburg), said concealed-carry permit holders have gone through an extensive application process and have demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens.

“I would certainly say that it’s not going to introduce a harmful situation. If anything it’s contributing to higher safety,” she said.

Paul Valone , president of pro-gun rights group Grass Roots North Carolina , said expanding firearm laws in the state will result in a dramatic drop in campus crime rates.

Schaffer said those who are intent on committing criminal acts generally disregard the state’s gun laws.

“Gun criminals don’t care what areas are restricted or not, they’re taking guns there regardless,” she said.

Still, firearms on university campuses make some uneasy.

UNC-CH senior Ronit Nuguru said he doesn’t agree with the law. He said the weapons could be abused in the wrong hands.

“There’s always a small chance that something bad might happen,” he said.

Gail Neely, executive director for North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, said this law creates the opportunity for violent crime.

“When 75 percent of the reported crimes on campus are car break-ins, why do you want to put loaded guns in them?” she said.

Neely said there will be repercussions from the law.

“I wouldn’t send my child to a public school knowing that there are loaded guns in the parking lot,” she said.

Schaffer said the new law upholds the Second Amendment.

“We’re taking really important steps to cut down on gun crime and to increase the penalties on gun criminals while maintaining and further protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

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