Students react to new concealed carry law on UL Lafayette's campus

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – A new gun law Governor Jeff Landry passed back in March of this year, goes into effect in two days and students and university police react to the new law and it's regulation.

Although no longer requiring concealed carry permits, there are still exceptions where places such as federal buildings, churches and schools prohibit firearms. On July 4th, the new law goes into effect, no longer requiring a permit to conceal carry. Students on campus like Kameron Alexander and Carlie Wilson share their thoughts on being able to conceal carry.

Alexander says it makes him feel unsafe while Wilson says she may like having some type of weapon to feel a bit safer.

The new law indicates anyone 18-years-or older who can legally obtain a gun will be able to conceal carry on their person, without a permit or license. Alexander says his concerns stems from people as young as 18 might not be as cautious when handling or concealing a gun. "People my age make very impulsive decisions, and if you give somebody the type of power that a gun gives you, it kind of gives you the power to just kind of do almost whatever you want."

While Wilson shares she doesn't mind the law to a certain extent when it comes to protecting yourself. "I live in the apartments on campus. I get home at night sometimes so being able to potentially carry it while just going home would make me feel just a tiny bit safer."

Sergeant Lance Frederick with ULPD says when the law goes into effect, firearms will still be prohibited on campus up to a certain proximity. He says firearms are prohibited up to 1,000 feet from school property which includes "Cajun Field and any buildings owned by UL." Sgt. Frederick also want students to know possessing a firearm in a dorm or on campus apartment is a violation.

"It is a housing violation. When they sign a contract, it says that you understand that no guns are allowed on campus. The only way to get around that is to have permission from the higher authority at that place, which would be Dr. Savoie, president of the university."

ULPD says they'll continue to inform students of the new law as it's their top priority to keep students safe.

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