My name is Eliana Locke, and I’m a freshman at University of Wisconsin-Madison. When I was a senior in high school, a fellow student brought a gun into the school in his backpack with the intention to shoot. His plan was never carried out, but this did not stop me from feeling terrified of entering the building the next day and everyday after that. It is frightening to think that someone had a gun in their backpack and no one knew about it.

That’s why I was horrified to learn of the new law circulating in the Wisconsin State Legislature that requires universities to allow the concealed firearms inside campus buildings, including dorms, dining halls, libraries, classrooms and even in Camp Randall stadium during Badger football games. Right now, every school in the UW System has made the decision to not allow guns inside campus buildings--a decision that helps me feel secure at my university. This bill would override that decision regardless of the views of students and faculty.

We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen by telling our state elected officials that this bill cannot be signed into law.

I chose to come to UW-Madison for a variety of reasons: the world-class education, engaging and passionate professors, and a thriving campus community where I can always feel at home. This bill wouldn’t just make what happened at my high school more likely -- it would make it completely legal right up until shots are fired at the University I now call home.

I think about all the other things that are banned in my residence hall for the purposes of our safety, including candles, toasters, and hot plates. The potential danger posed by concealed weapons in my dorm is far worse -- if an argument gets too heated or a student makes a misguided decision as a result of intoxication, this law could have deadly consequences.

I have watched news coverage of far too many tragedies involving guns on college campuses in only the past few years, including the mass shooting at an Oregon community college just a few weeks ago. I cannot even begin to imagine the fear that the students affected by these shootings felt. My fellow students and I can’t stand by while legislators push for a bill that puts my safety and the safety of my fellow Badgers at risk.

Students, parents, alumni, faculty, are already speaking out against this dangerous law. The UW-Madison Police in charge of keeping my campus safe have taken a stand against it.  If enough people make their voices heard in our state and nationwide, we can stop this detrimental and potentially dangerous law from being forced on campus communities across Wisconsin.

Add your name to tell Gov. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin State Legislature to reject this dangerous bill to require universities to let concealed weapons into campus buildings.