Gov. Deal ‘Not Satisfied’ With Security Around College Campuses

He said he’s concerned about students who are going to and from campus, like to parking lots, apartments and other areas.

“If a criminal is really going to pick a victim, they’re likely to pick someone who they know is not carrying a weapon for purposes of protection,” Deal said. “If someone is going to a college campus, they know under the current law, they can’t have a weapon on them, so therefore, they are – for that purpose – defenseless.”

Deal said he called on the university system last year to improve security on campuses, and said he thought the system has made “significant efforts.” He said he called on local law enforcement to do the same thing around campuses. 

“I am not satisfied that they have done appropriately what they should do in light of this,” Deal said. “It’s one thing to simply rail against students having the right to defend themselves, but those students have a right to expect that civilian law enforcement would give them the protection that they deserve.”

He said he’d like to see local law enforcement tailor their hours and employees around the campuses, including parking lots.

Last year, the governor vetoed a “campus carry” bill, but he said this year’s measure “is a much different bill.” The latest measure includes more places where guns would not be allowed, including campus pre-schools and faculty offices.

Unless Deal vetoes the new campus carry bill by next Tuesday, it will become law.