Controversial New Bill Could Impact Iowa Colleges

A proposed bill would allow for the carrying of firearms on Iowa public universities and community colleges.

Republican Senator Jake Chapman introduced the bill. Iowa's three major public colleges--The University of Iowa, Iowa State University & The University of Northern Iowa--currently ban gun possession on school grounds. If this legislation goes through, anyone with a permit would be allowed to carry a gun on campus.

Iowa State student Lexie Stone believes that the new law would make her feel safer.

“If I was in that situation, I would want to protect myself,” Stone told KCRG. Stone continued, saying "I am signed up to get my permit to carry, so it wouldn't bother me if you could carry on campus."

Fellow Cyclone Adam Mortensen disagrees: “I think it will scare a lot of people ... I think people have a right to carry it outside of a university, but (with) so many crowded people in the area … I don't think it’s right for people to be carrying around firearms."

According to the Iowa City Press-Citizen, the list of weapons referenced in the bill includes pistols, revolvers, razors, stilettos, knives, and any portable devices or weapons that use an electric current--such as a stun gun or taser--to immobilize a person.

The Iowa Board of Regents, which presently has final say about a weapons ban, opposes the bill.

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