Don't carry guns to class just because you can

Just because something's legal doesn't mean it's logical to do it. This simple principle was demonstrated by University of Utah President Michael Young and the previous administrators who enforced a policy of prohibiting guns on campus in spite of pressure from state legislators who vehemently deny the U's right to exercise autonomous authority over the issue of gun control. However, the Utah Supreme Court decided last Friday that the U campus is subject to state law, and thus, the university itself cannot prevent the possession of firearms on its premises. The Supreme Court's interpretation of Utah state law is now subject to federal examination for constitutional compliance with First Amendment rights, but it nonetheless seems likely that the U's longstanding policy toward guns on campus will soon change. U students ought to heed President Young's warning that the no-gun policy is still very much in effect until federal court reviews and finalizes the decision. If it does become legal for students to carry weapons in the near future, we should follow Young's example and exercise responsibility and caution instead of bringing guns to school just to recklessly flaunt our newfound freedoms. Forgetting how badly this issue reflects nationally on the Utah State Legislature's intentions, the thought of having gun-toting students on campus threatens the likelihood that other students will take part in free speech or demonstrations that might prompt hostilities from others. At least that's the U's argument, and it will be the primary focus for the federal court in deciding the viability of the state's decision. It has yet to be seen whether that contention actually holds any weight, since last time the case went to federal court in 2004, the judge insisted upon the state examination, which finally concluded Friday, before devoting time to analysis of the law's First Amendment congruity. If the decision is upheld, we should take the time to consider rationally: Does it really make any sense to bring firearms on campus? It is perhaps unlikely that anybody would be harmed if people were to bring guns on campus, but common sense dictates that there is little reason to risk it. Think about it. If all students were to follow the same policy-regardless of how harmless they might know their weapons to be in their seasoned, considerate hands-everybody at the U could feel safer in knowing that nobody is armed.