Professors Protest Guns On Campus - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

Would you let your child go to a college campus where students and staff can carry a gun?     That just might be a reality here in Texas, but two professors at Baylor University are trying to put a stop to it.

Blake Burleson and Dr. Robin Wallace are hand-delivering a letter to Senator Brian Birdwell.  With 120 signatures from fellow faculty and staff at Baylor University, the two hope to change Birdwell's mind on a bill that he filed called the Campus Personal Protection Act. It allows students, faculty, and staff with a concealed handgun license to carry guns on campus.

"This is a place that is designated as a safe place and it doesn't seem adding weapons to that environment would make it safer." said Burleson who is from Baylor's Department of Religion. 

In a news release about Bill 182, Senator Birdwell says "For me, this isn't just about the firearm, it's about trusting citizens with their God-given, constitutional rights.

Burelson and Wallace say faculty at campuses across the state would disagree.

"Our feeling, I think Dr. Wallace, would agree that there's near unanimous support for this near banning of guns on our campuses," said Burleson.

But on Baylor's campus, some students say they agree with the bill, saying it will make them feel much safer.

"I think it's a good idea. I think as long as you can pass a concealed handgun course it's your constitutional right to carry a weapon," said Baylor student, Matthew Meece.

"I think it's okay just as long as it's within reason and they're going to be safe about it," said Baylor student, Cody Nelson.

Though Senator Birdwell was in Austin, he released this statement: ""It is my duty to represent every citizen in Senate District 22, and thus I am always pleased to hear from those I serve-no matter their opinion on an issue."

Burleson and Wallace were able to speak with someone from the sSnator's office, but they left wanting more.

"We certainly would like to talk to him and be able to express ourselves face to face," said Burleson.

And they plan to do that when they come back with more signatures.

If passed, the bill will also prevent colleges or universities from banning handguns on campus.