FGCU Faculty Senate continues opposing guns in the classroom

FORT MYERS, Fla.- As Florida lawmakers continue discussing the possibility of allowing those with concealed carry permits to bring weapons into classrooms, Thursday’s deadly rampage at an Oregon community college is heating up the debate over guns at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU).

“In those emotional moments, we can make what we think are good decisions that end up having exactly the opposite impact,” said Win Everham, a professor at FGCU.

Everham, along with dozens of faculty members and students, passed a resolution Friday to express their disapproval for a bill being considered in Tallahassee.

“Concealed weapons are presently allowed, but they have to be in one’s car in the parking lot,” said Dr. Sandra Pavelka, FGCU Faculty Senate.

The proposed law would allow students to bring guns into the classroom. Students at FGCU are divided on the issue, with some expressing interest in the bill while others say they hope it is defeated in the Florida legislature.

As for FGCU’s faculty, most are against giving the proposal a passing grade.

“I do think it’s an interesting argument that some of these bills are, we should bring guns to campus but we shouldn’t bring them to the legislature. I mean, if more guns really make us safer, then we should carry them everywhere,” said Everham.

Friday’s meeting at FGCU was scheduled before Thursday’s shooting at Umpqua Community College, but those who attended say it made the conversation more emotional.