A group of students hopes to bring concealed firearms to class along with backpacks and iPods. The grassroots organization, known as Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, held an open meeting Monday to discuss its desire to bear arms on school grounds.

“The main reason that concealed carry license holders should be able to carry on campus is due to the fact that campuses are just as, if not more, unsafe as everywhere else in society,” said Eric Stein, Topeka senior and the KU leader for SCCC. “The crime statistics and school shootings are prime examples that schools are just as unsafe as anywhere else off campus.”

Stein said Colorado State University and Blue Ridge Community College in Vermont have both allowed concealed firearms on campus for a combined total of more than 18 years. Utah passed a law in 2006 that permits licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns at the state’s public universities. None of these schools has had any acts of gun violence.

The SCCC consists of college students, faculty members, parents and concerned citizens.

“In the state of Kansas there are over 15,000 concealed and carry-licensed holders and there are 65 members on the campus of KU,” Stein said.

The organization’s primary goals are to educate the public while putting to rest the common myths associated with concealed handguns. Additionally, members hope to convince school administrations and state legislatures to provide individuals the right to carry concealed firearms on college campuses.

But not all students are excited to see guns on school grounds.

“To carry guns on campus is unnecessary,” said Aren T. Ryan, Kansas City, Mo., sophomore. “We are adults and should be able to solve quarrels without killing each other.”

KU’s chapter of SCCC takes action every year to have its voice heard by participating in a semi-annual demonstration.

Kansas laws permit individuals 21 or older to carry a concealed weapon after passing a training course. They must have no prior felonies and no history of serious mental illness. Individuals must also pass a series of background checks.