Guns on Campus? Three Vocal Athens Clarke County Commissioners Say No

Georgia Senator Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) introduced Senate Bill 101 this past legislative session, which would have allowed guns on the University of Georgia campus as well as other college campuses in the state.

On Tuesday, during the local legislative delegation's post-session meeting with the ACC Commission and Mayor, Ginn asked them if they had an opinion about the bill. How did they feel about having guns on campus?

"Does the mayor and commission have a stance?" asked Ginn. "For me, it's a volatile issue. Between now and the next session, y'all maybe put that on the agenda for discussion."

Commissioner Jerry NeSmith said that he supports the Second Amendment and that he himself has owned guns. He said he would prefer that Ginn work on the issues the Commission told the delegation are important for Athens. "Gun bills are not the points I wish you would spend your time on."

Having guns on campus "will chill discussion in the classroom," said Commissioner Andy Herold, a UGA geography professor. "In a class of 200 students, I don't want to worry about who has a gun. This is the worst possible idea that has been brought up in the General Assembly in a long time."

Commissioner Kelly Girtz, who directs the Classic City High School, said he wouldn't want to carry a gun even if he could.

Ginn explained that his purpose in introducing Senate Bill 101 was to "get reciprocity with South Carolina," so that Georgians with gun permits could cross state lines without worrying about violating of neighboring laws. Other committees added the campus carry provisions.

The bill was stalled in the final moments of the 2013 session. But it will likely return during the next session, Ginn said.

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