Mississippi State University has not changed the policy prohibiting students from carrying firearms on MSU property, according to Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students.
Interest was sparked among Mississippians when House Bill 506 went into effect July 1, 2011. This amendment states Mississippians who have obtained an Individual Firearms Permit are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in previously-banned places such as churches, bars and schools.
Bourgeois made it clear MSU’s campus laws have not been affected by House Bill 506.
“Guns are still illegal for students to carry on campus,” he said.
He said this policy applies to MSU faculty and staff as well.
Some students, such as senior history major Joseph Butterfield, said they believe  campus could be a safer place if responsible individuals with permits were given permission to carry weapons on campus.
“If there had been someone nearby with proper weapons training during the on-campus shooting last March, the shooter could have been stopped,” he said.
Butterfield also said that irresponsible individuals who have criminal records will have difficulties obtaining IFPs.
“People with permits should be able to carry weapons for their safety and the safety of others. Those who are going to bring weapons on campus and do harm to other people are not going to respect the no-gun policy,” he said.
Under MSU policy, even students who have earned an IFP are not allowed to bring their weapons onto campus.
According to USACarry.com, an individual who applies for an IFP in the state of Mississippi must meet certain criteria. Among other requirements, one must be at least 21 years old, have no drug or alcohol abuse problems and cannot have been charged with a felony.
A full list can be found on USACarry.com.
Other students agree with MSU’s policy, such as senior psychology major Mara Smith. Smith said she feels it is important guns are not allowed on campus.
“People at our age are not at the mental maturity level to carry a gun with good intentions,” she said.