http://www.wsusignpost.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/02/09/4025e4e68a451
Keeping campus 'well regulated'
By Wendy Leonard | editor in chief
February 09, 2004
Upon frequenting the local shooting range, Weber State University automotive students Shawn Austin and Kevin Bishow found there was a way they could get more involved in campus activities. Together with advisor Nickie Sawyer of Academic Advisement, they formed the Students for the Second Amendment on campus last week.
"We're a couple of automotive students on campus; we figured this would help us get involved in the school and at the same time, have a little fun," Bishow said.
The club, working to become a part of the national affiliate of Students for the Second Amendment, is planning to dispel the "bad rap" gun owners often get because of those who misuse their gun rights and privileges.
"It's a club that promotes the safe use of firearms and lets us exercise our right to use them," Bishow said. "We hope to get people involved in certification and safety classes that will help educate about guns."
Students for the Second Amendment was founded in December 2002 in Texas. Since its founding, Students for the Second Amendment has grown from chapters on two campuses in Texas to chapters and state coordinators in 17 states. According to its national mission, the group inspires attitudes of "pro-freedom, grassroots, and student activism."
Students for the Second Amendment is nationally dedicated to educating young people about their rights guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States, specifically in the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Austin said there are many groups that oppose gun rights and that they are able to make their case publicly. "This is just our venue to get our beliefs out there," he said.
Much is in the works for WSU Students for the Second Amendment. They are planning to have guest speakers from the National Rifle Association and the Constitutional Rights Group speak to campus about gun safety, which is a priority for the organization. All members will be required to complete a gun safety course.
"We don't believe guns should be handled callously," Austin said. "They should be handled in a safe manner and people shouldn't fool around with them."
Having a license is not required to join the club -- nor is having a gun, for that matter.
"It's important to open everyone's eyes to something new; you've got to try everything at least once to know if you like it," Austin said. "If there's someone who hasn't shot a gun, I'll show them how to safely shoot mine, and I'll let them try it."
The club plans to visit the the shooting range on a regular basis, as some of the members already do. Some other events are also being planned, such as a "Skeet Shoot" and a "Turkey Shoot" later in the year.
Some of the members are also planning to participate in upcoming shooting competitions at Buffalo Island and in Reno, Nev. The competitions test for accuracy and ability through events such as obstacle courses.
The club is currently accepting memberships, along with yearly membership dues of $21. Membership includes an official card, and possibly discounts at sporting goods stores and at recreational shooting places.
Students for the Second Amendment will be meeting this week to finalize organizational plans. Interested students can contact organization president Shawn Austin via his WSU student e-mail account or call him at 702-277-0970.
You can reach reporter Wendy Leonard by calling 626-7121.
Keeping campus 'well regulated'
By Wendy Leonard | editor in chief
February 09, 2004
Upon frequenting the local shooting range, Weber State University automotive students Shawn Austin and Kevin Bishow found there was a way they could get more involved in campus activities. Together with advisor Nickie Sawyer of Academic Advisement, they formed the Students for the Second Amendment on campus last week.
"We're a couple of automotive students on campus; we figured this would help us get involved in the school and at the same time, have a little fun," Bishow said.
The club, working to become a part of the national affiliate of Students for the Second Amendment, is planning to dispel the "bad rap" gun owners often get because of those who misuse their gun rights and privileges.
"It's a club that promotes the safe use of firearms and lets us exercise our right to use them," Bishow said. "We hope to get people involved in certification and safety classes that will help educate about guns."
Students for the Second Amendment was founded in December 2002 in Texas. Since its founding, Students for the Second Amendment has grown from chapters on two campuses in Texas to chapters and state coordinators in 17 states. According to its national mission, the group inspires attitudes of "pro-freedom, grassroots, and student activism."
Students for the Second Amendment is nationally dedicated to educating young people about their rights guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States, specifically in the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment states: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Austin said there are many groups that oppose gun rights and that they are able to make their case publicly. "This is just our venue to get our beliefs out there," he said.
Much is in the works for WSU Students for the Second Amendment. They are planning to have guest speakers from the National Rifle Association and the Constitutional Rights Group speak to campus about gun safety, which is a priority for the organization. All members will be required to complete a gun safety course.
"We don't believe guns should be handled callously," Austin said. "They should be handled in a safe manner and people shouldn't fool around with them."
Having a license is not required to join the club -- nor is having a gun, for that matter.
"It's important to open everyone's eyes to something new; you've got to try everything at least once to know if you like it," Austin said. "If there's someone who hasn't shot a gun, I'll show them how to safely shoot mine, and I'll let them try it."
The club plans to visit the the shooting range on a regular basis, as some of the members already do. Some other events are also being planned, such as a "Skeet Shoot" and a "Turkey Shoot" later in the year.
Some of the members are also planning to participate in upcoming shooting competitions at Buffalo Island and in Reno, Nev. The competitions test for accuracy and ability through events such as obstacle courses.
The club is currently accepting memberships, along with yearly membership dues of $21. Membership includes an official card, and possibly discounts at sporting goods stores and at recreational shooting places.
Students for the Second Amendment will be meeting this week to finalize organizational plans. Interested students can contact organization president Shawn Austin via his WSU student e-mail account or call him at 702-277-0970.
You can reach reporter Wendy Leonard by calling 626-7121.