(originally posted [hopefully])

In the wake of yet more crime against students, we must reflect on the campus environment. Good police forces excel at investigating criminals, but even the best cannot hope to counteract them at all times and places; having 911 on speed dial is little help once you're being violently robbed at the BC ATM. The student body tends to march on in either willful ignorance or abject fear, neither being productive to the issue. The Administration does not have the power to change these sociological trends alone, but it does have the power to offer students an alternative.

P.E. classes already provide a generous half-credit for anyone looking for a few diversionary hours a week. Adding a course on marksmanship to the other quasi-combative skills (fencing, martial arts) poses a few obstacles, but the rewards would be worth the effort. Ranges solely for handguns are easy to construct, and North Carolina is relatively liberal in its permit requirements. Meanwhile, the entire balance of power on lonely walkways would be shifted. We cannot expect everyone, especially young women, to maintain a physical advantage over potential assailants. Nevertheless, the interested student could now gain a distinct tactical advantage -- and equally importantly, a psychological one -- in his daily walks.

In addition, the chance to disseminate information on proper firearm safety and regulations can in itself prevent injury and legal entanglements. Once having established a campus presence, instructors could give in-quad presentations much like the Alcohol Czars and their brethren do. Students could interact with their public policy and law connections to investigate the possibilities and ramifications of registration and concealed carry both on and off campus. (In the interim, no sense repeating the mistake of the Virginia student expelled for a BB gun in his truck).

Adding to an already burdened facilities schedule entails some sacrifices from the Administration. Yet needless to say, if an educated and well-defended citizenry prevents one weekend hunting accident or one late-night rape, the moderate effort required will have paid off.

Richard Berg
Trinity '04

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