ASU students call for end to ban on weapons

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A student group at Arizona State University is asking ASU President Michael Crow to reverse a ban on weapons on campus. They claim it leaves them at risk, in case a shooter opens fire.

The group is called Students for Self Defense, and they have launched a petition to change the policy at ASU and allow students to carry weapons including handguns. The current rules ban most weapons and leave students defenseless if there is an active shooter on campus.

FOX 10 asked students on campus what they thought of the idea, and found a mix of reactions.

"I think it's a bad idea, I wouldn't feel safe in classes knowing people could open carry or carry concealed weapons, I don't think it's a good idea," said Jeremy Mathias.

"I feel like it's a better idea to have more guns on campus. If a criminal knows that there are people walking around with guns, then why would they go there instead of somewhere else," said Wyatt Wagner.

Using the slogan, "No More Victims" the group says armed students on campus could help stop tragedies like the one that happened last week at Umpqua Community College in Oregon. Some students say they worry about mishaps or confrontations if everyone was allowed to carry on campus.

"If you get into an argument with someone or are just at the wrong place at the wrong time, you start something with someone, and that could be really bad," said a student.

"I don't like guns, so I think that's a bad idea in general," said Marisa Stankiewicz.

"I feel like safe with them already here, bringing a gun to school just scares me, especially with all of these shootings going on," said Chelsea Gonzalez.

ASU Police issued a statement to the petition outlining resources available to students including safety escorts, the blue light emergency call boxes, and a mobile app called Live Safe. ASU President Michael Crow has yet to respond to the petition.