ATLANTA—Letting students pack heat on college campuses. Banning legal immigrants from serving on local government councils or panels. Bringing flowers to your local legislators’ offices. The Georgia Capitol was jumping in February. Controversy and friendliness were side by side.
Volunteers with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America visited state senators on Feb. 24. “Passing legislation that forces our colleges and universities to allow anyone with a concealed carry permit to carry a gun on campus is a shame for student safety,” said volunteer chapter leader Lindsey Donovan, in a statement. The House has passed HB 859, to let students carry guns. The Senate has not voted on it.
“Once again, four out of five Georgians believe guns have no place on campus. We urge the Georgia Senate to reject this dangerous bill and to not add guns to environments rife with alcohol, drugs, and academic pressures.”
Sen. Hunter Hill said that the logic behind the bill is that “law enforcement can’t be everywhere, so you should be able to have a gun.” He chairs the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security committee. He came from the chamber to talk to his constituent Carol Allen. She opposes the bill, and the two had a civil and searching conversation about gun sense.
