Comments about ‘Universities seeking ways to avert campus violence’

It sounds like this group is discussing some valuable ideas for identifying potential campus threats, in order to prevent killing sprees from occurring in the first place. If, in spite of such efforts, a student goes off the deep end and starts on a rampage, the best way to cut it short is with deadly force. Wishful thinking and good intentions will not change this blunt reality. If eligible teachers and college students meet the qualifications for concealed carry, they should be allowed to carry on campus.

"Reason @ 10:32 am" has hit the nail on the head. While many things can and should be done to prevent a mass shooting or other violent crime from being committed, some number will always occur sooner or later.

Not to mention the fact that despite the publicity given to these incidents, run-of-the-mill, one-on-one violent crime is a far greater threat to the safety of students and employees than are mass shootings.

Honoring the INDIVIDUAL RIGHT to an effective, armed, self-defense is very effective at protecting against both mass and individual criminal violence. Colleges and Universities, public and private, across the nation need look no farther than Utah's public institutions which are banned from infringing this basic right. Even with 150,000 Utah permits to carry weapons now valid--plus recognizing permits issued in the rest of the nation--one is hard pressed to find any problems with allowing permit holders to be armed on campus.

And keeping one co-ed from being raped is every bit as important as avoiding a mass shooting.

I don't think the answer to campus violence is arming faculty, adminstrators, staff and students with guns. The only people on campus with weapons should be the police and the campus security staff if they are authorized and given police power by the local government.

The long term solution is education and prevention. Resolving conflicts through nonviolent means and a teaching that before and durning the university or college experience, mental health screening and engaging the whole campus community to know the warning signs and help the troubled individuals get help.

Arming members of the campus community returns us to the days of the "wild, wild west". Bullets don't stop if they miss the criminal. Amateur gun owners don't always hit their target. Too many innocent by standers or people in buildings could be hurt.

I just read the article below. I also travel in my job and wanted people to know about a product I bought from Boston Company Called MJ Safety Solutions It is a Bullet Proof Backpack which I carry my tools in and keep on the front seat of my truck. The pack stops a lot of bullets they actually have video of it being shot many times. I bought two more for my niece and nephew who are going back to school in a couple of weeks. With all the school shootings in this country it will give my sister a little piece of mind know her kids have the My Childs Pack. Next week I am going to buy one of their custom panels to put in my briefcase. Sad we need it but glad you guys in Boston make it.

Anonymous 1:19: As thePendulum swings. You talk about training and recognizing the signs, what, do you want every student to turn each other in because of what another perceives. Sounds like the BYU honor code.

The end of last year I took a college class and in this class shared half of a responsibility with another student on a project. Half way through the semester he stopped showing up for class. I had become good friends and we did things together along with other student in the class on weekends. All of the sudden I could not reach him anymore. Then during the end of the semester another student came in to class late and interrupted the professor and left the room crying. Our professor then read us the obituary this young lady had brought him announcing the suicide of this friend that I shared the end of the year project with from weeks earlier. I have been trained to recognize the signs of depression and until this incident I had no clue.

I will never forget this experience or friend. If you think education and prevention prevent the extreme actions of the depressed, it is time to reevaluate.

While I understand the emotional appeal of letting people carry guns to prevent mass shootings, I would like to see some kind of testing first. Put 200 armed people in a room, and when they are all looking at the lecturer, have one stand up and start shooting...then see how many other than the shooter are shot.....I think talking about escape plans, selling kevlar inserts for pack or bags, and improving rapid response of police officers is more important.

"Emulate Utah Law" - While I agree that prohibiting lawful concealed carry is a mistake have you any statistics to support this claim? "Honoring the INDIVIDUAL RIGHT to an effective, armed, self-defense is very effective at protecting against mass and individual criminal violence."? I'm especially interested in cases where armed resistance has saved lives in a mass murder scenario. Most cases (VA Tech and the UU church killings) are those of unarmed resistance, which frequently costs the defender his life. Details please.

Guns in law abiding hands are certainly part of the answer (that's why we call 911). But let's also remember the courage and commitment of Professor Liviu Librescu at Virginia Tech. Adults caring for children should resist violence at any cost, even if it means sacrificing their own lives to do so. A group of adults (which ought to include most college students, school faculty, and staff) faced with deadly violence should attack the attacker, block the door, or run away - anything but huddle on the floor waiting to be shot.