SPSA Statement in Opposition to “Campus Concealed Carry Laws”

The Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), founded in 1929, does not support political parties or candidates. And although it typically does not take positions on public policy, the SPSA does speak out on issues that affect one of its central missions such as teaching. Consequently, the SPSA is joining with the American Political Science Association and the Midwest Political Science Association to voice its opposition to “campus concealed carry laws.”

Since 2011, states including Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin have enacted “Campus Concealed Carry Laws” that allow licensed handgun owners to bring concealed weapons onto college campuses. The specifics vary substantially from state to state. For example, Arkansas allows universities to “opt out” of the law, and so far every school in Arkansas has done so. On the other hand, Texas law allows all licensed handgun carriers to bring concealed handguns on campus, as well as into campus buildings, and includes criminal penalties if university administration does not comply with the state law.

The free expression and exchange of ideas is a central part of a student’s educational experience and the SPSA leadership believes these laws will harm the teaching, interest and research in theoretical and practical political problems as well as the overall student experience. Moreover, the laws prevent universities from taking reasonable measures to ensure the personal safety of faculty, staff and students. These laws have met with opposition from many within the academic community and the law enforcement community.

As such, the SPSA opposes “Campus Concealed Carry Laws” and urges the repeal of the state laws to allow Institutions of Higher Education the latitude to determine the best methods to protect their campuses, classrooms and dorms.