VALDOSTA, Ga. — Faculty and students gathered on the campus of a South Georgia college Friday in opposition of state House Bill 280, frequently referred to as the “Campus Carry” bill.

Last year, HB 859 — a similar measure — was vetoed by Gov. Nathan Deal. As written, the bill would “authorize the carrying and possession of handguns in certain manners by weapons carry license holders in certain buildings or on real property owned by or leased to public institutions of postsecondary education.”

Protesters gathered at Valdosta State University’s Odum Library shared their sentiments by way of signs and plainly making their voices heard.

“As an educator, I’m appalled. As a human being, I’m appalled,” Dr. Michael Noll, VSU professor of geography and one of the organizers of the protest, said. “The majority of Georgians will say that guns do not belong on campus.”

Noll, along with Dr. Tom Hochschild, Dr. Matthew Richard and Dr. Ari Santas, chanted while holding signs with slogans such as “Creative and Sharp Minds, Not Guns and Bullets” and handed out flyers outlining why they say guns should not be allowed on campus.

“We think you should leave the gun carrying to the professionals on campus,” Hochschild said.

Across the country, states like Iowa and Arkansas are tackling the very real concern of guns in academic spaces via similar campus carry bills.

Back at VSU, several students echoed the same ideas as their professors.

“The people wanting to pass the bill aren’t here,” VSU Junior Shobi Young said. “I understand the other point of view on this, but I think the students’ voices should be taken into consideration. I believe this is what campus police are for.”

Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress has always openly spoken out in opposition of the bill, feeling that untrained individuals with guns could cause more harm than good.

“I am totally against it,” Childress said. “I know there’s an argument that if something happens, students and faculty should be able to defend themselves. If you have an active shooter out there, law enforcement will be looking for someone with a gun. Which do you address if everyone has a gun? My folks go through training on when to shoot and when to not shoot. There is no training required for a license. This is not a good bill and it should not be passed.”

The subject of students carrying handguns is seemingly recurring at VSU. In 2015, the university gained national media attention linked to flag-walking protester Eric Sheppard. Following the protest that ultimately led to the manhunt and later arrest involving Sheppard, the then-VSU student was deemed “armed and dangerous” by area officials when his backpack was found on campus with a handgun inside.

Carver writes for the Valdosta, Georgia Daily Times.