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
Authors: Sampo Ruoppila, Albion M. Butters
Publisher: Journal of American Studies
Publishing place: Cambridge
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Journal of American Studies
Journal acronym: JAS
eISSN: 1469-5154
DOI: https://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 address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/50258261
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.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |