By Leigh caudle/reporter

Events such as the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings have pushed students and school boards to address campus gun policies.

The issue hit home in November when two TCC studeats filed a lawsuit against the district claiming their free speech rights had been violated when they were restricted to a confined area after asking to protest the campus gun policy by carrying empty holsters.

The school currently bans students from carrying handguns on campus. A bill to allow it passed the Senate but not the House during the last legislative session.

TCC students have differing views on the issue. NE Campus student Lindsey Lopez said she agrees with the school’s current stance.

“No guns should be allowed on campus unless by law enforcement, period,” she said.

SE Campus student Daniel Ruiz said only certain individuals should bear the responsibility of carrying a firearm when on campus grounds.

“Cops on campus are there to protect the students, and it would be hard for them to go up against a crazy person with a gun,” Ruiz said.

Although many students support the school’s current gun policy, others tend to see both sides. Jennifer Lee from SE Campus said she understands wanting to protect oneself.

“My personal safety is a concern, but I also understand that the people who choose to carry a gun have their safety and self-defense as a reason to be armed,” she said.

Lee said she would not have a problem with an overturn of the school’s current policy but would want new regulations established.

“I would be accepting of students having the right to carry a gun only under certain conditions,” she said. “The school should have to be informed of every person who carries a handgun or handgun license.”

Lee said that if the school were to allow guns on campus, she doubts she would carry one.

“I feel a gun is only necessary if you feel your life is in danger or threatened,” she said. “I never feel in danger or threatened at school.”

NE Campus student Abraham Urbanski wants to see the ban lifted.

“Anyone that wishes to defend themselves against possible violence should have the right to defend themselves whenever and wherever they please,” he said.

Even with a lift of the current ban, Urbanski said he does not anticipate an increase in the number of gun sales to college students.

“The number of students who legally own and carry guns on a daily basis is more than likely still the minority. I do not think that allowing students to bring guns to campus will increase gun violence or even cause an increase in gun ownership,” he said. “People carry guns with them every day in public venues, and all it has caused is a slight hesitation in any person thinking of assaulting another individual.”

Since the Virginia Tech shootings, dozens of states have had proposals to allow guns on campus, though none have been successful. In December, according to The Denver Post, Colorado State University, which currently allows students to carry handguns on campus, moved closer to banning concealed weapons when the board of governors unanimously voted in favor of a weapons policy, going against the student senate vote.

TCC currently stands behind its ban.