Should guns be allowed on college campuses? Louisiana bill sparks debate

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A proposed bill that would allow college students and professors to carry firearms on certain public university campuses in Louisiana is already generating debate, even before it is formally introduced.

State Rep. Danny McCormick pre-filed HB 99 that would make it legal for students and faculty to carry guns on public college campuses, and any private independent college or university that is a recipient of any state funding.

The proposal has prompted mixed reactions from students at Louisiana State University.

“I don’t know how that would go down,” one student, Madison Harris said.

“I don’t think they should be on public grounds or anything like that,” another, Kyla Chapman said.

“I would feel pretty unsafe knowing that anyone or everyone could have a firearm on them,” a third student, Grace Christensen added.

Under the proposed bill, there would be restrictions. Firearms would not be allowed during active disciplinary or administrative hearings. They would also be banned at events with controlled access or security, such as football or basketball games.

Still, some students say those limits would not ease their concerns.

“It could lead to rash decisions, and someone can get really hurt,” Christensen said.

Others, however, support the idea.

LSU student Asiel Ramos said he would welcome the change.

“I honestly would like to carry my own, so, yeah,” Ramos said.

Ramos and his classmate Cesar Valle said they would feel comfortable with the proposed change on campus but would like additional safeguards.

“If we can do a background check then I think we should be perfectly fine,” Ramos said.

“People should care about their own safety, and I think they should be allowed to carry guns,” Valle said.

The bill’s chances of becoming law remain uncertain.

House Speaker Phillip DeVillier addressed the issue during remarks at the Baton Rouge Press Club, saying he plans to consider feedback from higher education leaders.

“I’m going to lean on what the system presidents are telling me, what they would like and how it could affect them,” DeVillier said.

He added that he expects extensive discussion if the bill moves forward.

“There’s a lot of conversation I would expect and some spirited debate that I would expect to take place over that,” DeVillier said.

The 2026 regular session starts March 9.

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