Gun legislation, proposed for the third time, opposed by President Sechrist

JUSTIN COMBS
Senior Writer
seniorwriter@occc.edu

President Paul Sechrist said in an email he remains opposed to legislation that would allow concealed weapons on campus. Sechrist said he formed his opinion based on the strong recommendation of most law enforcement professionals he has talked with.

“If I believed our campus would be safer as a result, I would be for the legislation,” Sechrist said.

“However, I trust our law enforcement professionals’ judgment, experience, and knowledge when they almost universally agree that this legislation has the potential of making college campuses less safe,” Sechrist said.

State Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, is the author of House Bill 1083 that would allow faculty members, CLEET certified officers and individuals with concealed weapons permits to carry a gun on campus.

This is the third year, Murphey has introduced this type of legislation.

Dave England, range manager of H&H Gun Range said a concealed weapon course is eight hours long.

“There is a law portion that takes four hours and a shooting portion that takes fours hours,” England said. “The individual does not shoot for four hours, most of the course is involved in the classroom.”

The bill, Murphey said, would allow teachers who posses a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm on campus provided their job consists of in the classroom teaching.

“I think it’s wrong to say you can carry a concealed carry anywhere in Oklahoma,” Murphey said. “But, if you teach or go to a campus that’s the area where you’re prohibited.”

“I believe that’s bad policy with all the security concerns we have on campus,” Murphey said.

He said the chaotic response on the OCCC campus Feb. 26 indicates a lack of security preparedness.

Murphey said it’s important that the criminal element has to second guess whether or not there is a concealed carry holder on campus. “That act of second guessing I believe is important,” said Murphey

James Mansell, coordinator of Cleet classes at Francis Tuttle said CLEET certification requires twenty-four hours of gun range training a week shooting 400 rounds.

He said CLEET certifications have to be renewed.

“The first certification is only good for two years and takes eight hours to renew,” Mansell said.

Glen D. Johnson, chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, said in a statement that the event that occurred on campus reinforces the fact that having more guns on campus would create a less safe environment at our colleges and universities.

“A strong coalition of the Campus Life and Safety and Security Task Force, students, parents, faculty, administrators, law enforcement officials and veterans remain committed to oppose any efforts to permit concealed weapons on our college campuses,” said Johnson.