According to e-mails obtained by the Independent, the SGA has been engaged in an on-going debate over how to respond to the recent NIU shootings.
Some senators favored a sympathetic response, involving commemorations and vigils. But at least one senator, David Benjaih, took a more aggressive approach, suggesting that trained students should be allowed to carry guns on campus.
Senator Paul Harris represented the SGA in a recent meeting with NEIU officials, during which they decided to organize the Feb. 26 NIU vigil. The vigil was organized in order to give NEIU students the opportunity to express their concerns and condolences to NIU students.
However, Benjaih disagreed with the organization of the vigil, stating in an e-mail to SGA members that “[it] displays a lack of decorum and rectitude.”
In another e-mail to SGA members, Benjaih said, “This level of tragedy requires a response that has depth of compassion as well as real potential to avoid such an occurrence on our own campus.” He suggested that NEIU should have a more personal response, like going to the NIU campus, spending time and sharing with the NIU students.
In a recent interview, Benjaih discussed how he believes we are taking the shooting too lightly by simply giving sympathy banners, and that it displays the glad-I-wasn’t-there attitude. “The administration got it done quickly and easily, but they should have done something more significant,” he said.
In one of the e-mails to SGA senators that was obtained, Senator Mark Banks dismissed Benjaih’s suggestion to head over to NIU. He said, “It’s too early for rallies or even memorials in my opinion. Give them time to catch their breath before you show up at their door.”
Not only does Benjaih think NEIU should have taken a more proactive approach, he also is of the opinion that we should be on the offense to prevent these kind of situations in the future. He suggested having trained, armed students on campus in order to deter a shooting like the recent NIU tragedy.
“Do you think that guy would have tried that suicidal mission knowing that any place he went, or any class he entered would have had at least one, or preferably two, or three armed students and that he would have been seriously wounded by a trained peer before he would’ve gotten even one shot off?” asked Benjaih in an email to SGA members.
Senator Harris suggested the idea that CAPS, citizen control with direct contact to the police, should be utilized to a higher extent in the wake of the tragedy. But, Benjaih said this will not be effective enough. In a recent interview, he pointed out that South Dakota has just passed a law allowing students to carry concealed weapons on campus, if they have a license to do so.
Benjaih stated that he personally does not have a gun or wish to carry one, but does not mind if others do, if they are trained. Also in the recent interview, he cites statistics that reflect a harsh reality.
According to Benjaih, there were only two shootings on college campuses when students were legally allowed to carry concealed guns. Since they passed the law against concealed-carry on campuses 30 years ago, there have been 39 tragedies similar to the NIU shootings. The Independent was unable to verify these statistics.
Bottom line, he said, “Unfortunately, more extreme measures need to be taken so people will think twice before they kill.”
In a reaction to Benjaih’s suggestion of having trained, armed students on campus, SGA president Keenan Arnold said in an interview through email, “I can understand the reaction of helplessness that some students may be feeling. I do not believe, however, that arming students is a viable solution. Irrespective of all the legal ramifications, violence or the threat thereof has never been an effective deterrent.”
“Nobody really thinks arming students should be discussed,” Senator Banks said in another email interview. “Mostly our aim right now is to facilitate two goals: to help students and faculty cope with the shock and grief they’re experiencing, and to promote an environment in which students are not only safe, but also aware of the risks that these kinds of tragedies represent.”
Director of the Student Activities Office, Sharron M. Evans, offered her personal reaction to Benjaih’s idea. She said, “Arming students philosophically conflicts with the concept of an institution of higher learning. The state and federal government need to deal with the age-old issue of gun control, especially gun control in relation to individuals who are psychologically challenged.”
While the debate over having armed students on campus continues, it seems that most of the SGA is opposed to Benjaih’s idea. The NIU vigil was held, and was a success for those who attended.