A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Not a “Nonissue”: Perceptions and Realities of Campus Carry at The University of Texas at Austin




AuthorsSampo Ruoppila, Albion M. Butters

PublisherJournal of American Studies

Publishing placeCambridge

Publication year2021

JournalJournal of American Studies

Journal acronymJAS

eISSN1469-5154

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1017/S0021875820001425

Web address https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-american-studies/article/abs/not-a-nonissue-perceptions-and-realities-of-campus-carry-at-the-university-of-texas-at-austin/A0BCA1409E316B44DBA6CBFA83259F29

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/50258261


Abstract

As a publicly funded institution,The University of Texas at Austin had to implement the state’s legislation to allow concealed handguns on campus. Yet its own Campus Carry policy has sought to erase the matter from everyday campus life. The administration deems it a “nonissue,” presuming that students have become accustomed to the idea, do not think about it actively, and have a low interest in acquiring a handgun license. This paper, based on a survey of the university’s undergraduates, questions these ideas. It shows that a majority of students think that the issue is important and examines in what sense the students are troubled by its effects. While opinions differ between supporters and opponents of Campus Carry, divergences also exist within their ranks, such as among supporters of the law regarding where guns should specifically be allowed at the university. On the basis of the survey, the essay also examines how many licensed carriers are actually on campus, compared to the university’s estimates.


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Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 21:45