Joyce Rose and Judy Parrott, grandparents of high school and college-age youth, always have safety in mind.

That’s especially true in light of recent school violence on college and high school campuses.

Both women were surprised to learn of new legislation wending its way through the Oklahoma House of Representatives that could loosen gun laws considerably – especially with regard to youth.

In response to shootings on the campus of Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech, Oklahoma lawmaker Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, proposed legislation that would allow 21-year-olds the right to carry concealed weapons on college campuses. According to the Associated Press, HB 2513 was approved Monday by the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee and has now moved to the full House.

A second bill, HB 2232, by Rep. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant, proposes 18-year-olds be allowed to apply for concealed weapon permits. This bill also passed committee, 15-1.

Rose, who has a 20-year-old granddaughter attending college and has worked with youth for about 30 years, finds the proposed legislation disturbing.

“I don’t think students of any age should be allowed to carry firearms on college campuses,” said Rose. “I know accidents happen too often, even when no one is angry. The problem of safety on campuses ... will not be solved by allowing more guns at the school.”

Parrott couldn’t believe the laws were even being considered.

“This is so dangerous and I will take note of who voted for this,” said Parrott. “It does nothing but make the situation more unstable and volatile. There are very few 18-year-olds who have enough common sense and self-control to ... handle a weapon, much less a license to carry a concealed weapon... . Those few who do have the wherewithal to own a gun are smart enough to realize it doesn’t belong with them in a classroom setting. The students need to be about the business of learning.”

The prevention of violence was the subject of a presentation by Help-In-Crisis Thursday morning. “Operation Saturation: Violence Elimination” sets out to collaborate with and empower community members and local organizations to eliminate violence in Tahlequah through advocacy, education and training.

Many attending the presentation – including NSU faculty, school administrators, volunteers and local clergy – were also surprised to learn of the two bills.

Retired NSU Professor Dr. Sara Brown said it’s sad Oklahomans are focusing on the violence.

“I wish we’d put our energy into getting health care for everyone,” she said.

Brown’s husband, Dudley, indicated he might favor certain faculty members being allowed to carry concealed weapons, but not students.

Thea Nietfeld, pastor for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah, was stunned by the gun proposals.