UW-L and concealed weapons

To me, it was an average call home. The usual, once a day Mom session I need.  Needless to say, that isn't how things ended up.  I proceeded to be informed of an issue that, I hope, many of you are aware.  I can easily say this conversation with my mom left me uneasy and feeling discouraged.  My mom, during this unordinary usual conversation, informed me of the concealed weapons clause.  

Many of you may notice that when you enter a building next to the "No Smoking" sticker, there is also a "No Concealed Weapons" sticker.   If any of you are similar to me, seeing such a sticker may have left you uneasy.  While I found it completely appalling, it is interesting to note that Wisconsin is actually the 49th state to allow concealed weapons.  Which means, in 48 other states, college students may find similar stickers posted on their building doors.  

On Nov. 3, 2011, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted for the right to carry concealed weapons.  Places, such as college campuses, hospitals, and stores, have to put signs up  which prohibit individuals from bringing in a concealed weapon.

My mom asked me what UW-La Crosse has been doing to keep students informed about the concealed weapons act.  To be honest, I had never heard any information regarding this act until my mother notified me.  In fact, until this week, I hadn't noticed any of the stickers on our building doors.  

According to the Chicago Tribune and other newspaper articles, it is noted that the concealed weapons act was enforced by the republican rule.  On Nov. 3, 2011, it was noted in the Chicago Tribune that, "Democrats on the Assembly's organizational committee opposed the policy adopted Thursday, saying it makes no sense to allow concealed weapons in the galleries but disallow signs or cameras. Dozens of people have been arrested and removed from the galleries this year for videotaping lawmakers or holding signs."  It is apparent that this act is not a clear cut decision, but rather, very controversial and deserving of attention from all.  

When my mother informed me of the act Wisconsin was going to enforce, I confronted all of my roommates.  All of them, however, were unaware that this act was even going into effect.  Thus, it makes one wonder what a college campus is doing to inform it's students about acts in which could cause potential harm.  

Katie Klestinksi said all RAs have been informed of the new act implemented.  "We know the basics of the new clause and have new signs posted on the entrances of every building on campus.  At our hall council meetings we informed the residents of the new clause and they were able to provide input. They were also informed of the new signs that would be posted,"  said Klestinski.  

A resident on campus, Alina Piotrowski states, "I have not learned anything about the ordeal at or because of UW-L." With such a controversial matter recently coming into effect, it is imperative for UW-L to better inform their students about the act.  It is important for all students to know why the act went into effect and how it can effect them personally.  

But when Alina was informed on the subject she said, "Well, it is a tough subject on which to take a side. Honestly, I think that some people feel the need to carry weapons for protection, possibly because of where they live or a circumstance in which they are involved, so it may be more necessary for them than for others. On the other hand, it also provides opportunity for violence between people that are not using it for protection but rather, the purpose of injuring, threatening, or otherwise without good reason."  

As the act continues to strike more individuals in the state of Wisconsin, one can only hope that it will take more precedence on our own college campus.