I’d like to respond to Brian Wlosinski’s letter to the editor Carrying guns on campus could work if regulated (SN 11/19). This solution has flaws that need to be considered. By allowing weapons on campus, the chance of someone who should not have a weapon getting ahold of one will increase dramatically. While this could be solved with locks and safes, the problem still exists. No one is perfect, and slipups will happen. If the amount of weapons increased on campus, the probability for accidents also increases. People often make poor decisions. You would hope those who have concealed weapons permits don’t make mistakes, but it only takes one to cause a disaster.

Additionally, we live in an environment that can be highly influenced by alcohol. On numerous occasions I have seen people get into fights over things as stupid as a lost pillow. What will stop someone who is drunk from grabbing their gun and waving it around? Also not considered is the psychological effect of shooting someone. Granted, a similar effect would be felt after witnessing a rampage where you could do nothing. We also need to consider the fact that someone could be shot because they were thought to have a gun. When police struggle to distinguish between real guns and airsoft guns, how are students supposed to be able to?