Following the fatal shooting at Northern Illinois University, Rep. Stacey Campfield, is attempting to pass a bill that will allow faculty and staff of Tennessee schools to carry weapons on campus. 

Currently, it is illegal for any civilian to bring a firearm onto school grounds.  Campfield believes that with this level of security, "You're just advertising to the crazies where they can go for the easy pickings, where they are going to face no resistance, where it's going to be taking sheep and leading them to the slaughter."

This proposal, if passed, will give members of the faculty with valid permits permission to bring their firearms with them to campus.  Campfield expects this legislation will increase security on school campuses by deterring potential gunmen. 

A statement released by the UT Police Department opposes the proposal saying, Allowing more guns on campus would not increase safety.  In fact, we think the opposite is true. August J. Washington, UTPD chief"Allowing more guns on campus would not increase safety.  In fact, we think the opposite is true."  UTPD Chief August J. Washington emphasized  they are opposed to anyone other than trained officers carrying weapons.  

This bill would allow only faculty and staff who have received eight hours of firearm training and are licensed gun owners to carry weapons.  Ultimately, Campfield would propose that everyone, including licensed students, should be allowed the right to bear arms.

Tennessee is one of 12 states considering a bill to overturn school policy prohibiting firearms on their property since the Virginia Tech shootings in April of 2007.  Utah is the only state that allows permit holders to carry guns on the campuses of its universities.  Reports show that since this plan has been implemented on Utah campuses, there has been no increase in violent crime, while forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault and burglary have actually declined.