Gun Control Background Checks

Although most American families may feel that campus safety is a number one priority, several states want to loosen gun control on college campuses to allow students to carry licensed firearms for their own protection. Advocates of that legislation believe that the ability of law-abiding students to defend themselves will deter criminal behavior on campus.

Anti-gun advocates believe that high-risk behaviors and other stresses on campus can increase the risk of gun accidents as well as gun thefts. According to the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, studies show that allowing guns on campus can increase the risk of danger.

Tragedies of school massacres such as those at Columbine High School in 1999, Virginia Tech in 2007, and Northern Illinois University in 2008 as well as the Tucson shooting in 2011 spark intense debate about gun control legislation.

Following the Virginia Tech murders, Virginia closed legal loopholes relating to gaps in federal and state gun purchase laws. That event also led to the passing of a federal law in 2008 that requires a criminal background check for handgun purchases from licensed dealers. The law improves state reporting to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which determines the eligibility of firearm purchasers. It was the first major federal gun control measure in over 13 years. This law, however, does not require private sellers at gun shows, etc. to conduct the same checks.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says that nearly 2 million new handguns are manufactured or imported each year—adding to the 258 million firearms already in circulation. So C U Clear is standing by, ready to conduct thorough and responsible criminal background checks when needed.