Editor's Note: This story won an Associated Press Television and Radio Association (APTRA) award for best spot news in 2015. Learn more.
With more than 20 Republican lawmakers supporting AB148, which would allow concealed firearms on college campuses, many at the University of Nevada, Reno worry they could see guns at school, soon. That’s why 200 protestors gathered there Wednesday. Reno Public Radio’s Michelle Bliss reports.
The group chanted in front of the library before a dozen speakers made their case.
“The great majority of faculty on this campus do not want legislation to ease weapon restrictions on this campus," said UNR Faculty Senate Chair Chuck Price.
“Allowing more firearms on campus only makes it easier to make decisions that lead to more firearm-related injuries and fatalities," said Professor Erin Grinshteyn.
“It’s exciting to see sexual assault on campus is finally getting mainstream media attention," said Senior Maddie Poore. "What’s extremely disheartening is politicians jumping on these stories to get guns on our campus.”
The rally also drew a crowd of supporters for the bill, carrying signs with messages like “Please let our princesses defend themselves.”
One voice missing, that supporters would argue is critical, was that of Amanda Collins, a UNR alum who was raped on campus in 2007 by James Biela.
“On October 22, 2007, my right to say no was taken away from me by both James Biela and the Nevada legislation."
UNR student Andy Lindstrom:
“Too often, as with what happened with Amanda Collins and other school shootings situations, is that they walk into a completely gun-free area and they had free reign to do whatever they wanted.”
In a recent survey, 85% of faculty members said they're against AB148. The Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Reno has also passed a resolution voicing its opposition.
Earlier this month, the bill cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee and now heads to the full Assembly for a vote.
