Universities oppose bill allowing guns on campus

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A state lawmaker's proposal to bar universities from banning guns on campus is raising concerns about the safety of students.

Republican Sen. Jim Banks of Columbia City says he submitted the bill on behalf of college students who want to protect themselves. A similar measure introduced last year failed to get a hearing, and this year's measure could meet the same fate.

Indiana University spokesman Mark Land tells The Herald-Times that IU opposes the measure and thinks it's in the best position to determine how to keep the campus safe.

IU sophomore Crayle Vanest tells WSBT that allowing students to carry concealed weapons can help deter crime.

Only eight states currently allow guns to be carried on campus. More than 20 have banned the practice.