California’s Governor Jerry Brown approved Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) on Oct. 10, which bans the carrying of concealed weapons from all school campuses in the state. 
With the recent school shootings that have happened nationwide, this new law aims to make California’s public and private schools and colleges “gun-free zones” to provide a safe and secure campus for students.
SB 707 prohibits the carrying of any concealed weapons and ammunition on school grounds, regardless of having a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit.
The bill allows for retired law enforcement officers to carry their concealed guns, as well as grants school officials to authorize permission to individuals whom they believe should carry weapons.
Guns are believed to serve as a tool for self-defense in case of an emergency. Eder Javier Cuiriz (senior, Communication Studies) believes having people who are trained and authorized to have concealed weapons on campus will be crucial in case of emergencies.
“I would feel safer knowing there are authorized people on campus that would be able to defend in case a shooter came on the grounds, as long as they are trained and authorized by the sheriff’s offices,” Cuiriz said.
Like any other bill, the views on SB 707 from students at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) are divided between those who are pro-gun control and those opposed to the regulations. 
Jessica Garcia (junior, Psychology) and Leslie Castaneda (junior, Psychology) believe SB 707 will create a safer learning environment for themselves and their peers.
“It would make school campuses more secure from active shooters,” Garcia said. “I would feel safer knowing there are no guns.”
The thought of guns being carried on campus by individuals who aren’t part of the University Police Department (UPD) terrifies some students.
“I pretty much agree with it [SB 707] (…) there shouldn’t be a reason for anyone to have a gun on a college campus, but I do believe the police should have them,” Castaneda said.
Marlen Contreras (junior, Criminal Justice) raises the question of personal safety during an active shooter emergency.
“What if someone was on campus armed, how do you protect yourself?” Contreras asked.
For Jocelyn Castellanos (junior, Communication Studies) and Brianda Lemus (junior, Psychology) recent events have helped them understand how guns could be used for good in case of an emergency.
“With all the mass shootings there have been, it would almost make people feel safer to carry concealed weapons as long as the schools are aware of it and its documented,” Castellanos said.
SB 707 is meant to protect students and faculty from an active shooter, but in reality, laws tend to be broken.
“In the perfect world this would be a great choice, but we don’t live in a perfect world and putting a ban isn’t going to stop those who commit school shootings,” Lemus said.
In such events, it’s always better to be well prepared. Stan State has emergency procedures in case an armed individual wanders onto campus. This week, the UPD held a shelter-in-place drill to better prepare faculty for an emergency where evacuating wasn’t an option.